New year, new laws

SANDUSKY — School policy and wages will all see changes in 2025. As 2024 turns to 2025, many new laws enacted by Ohio's 135th General Assembly will go into effect. Here are some of the highlights: Minimum wage increase On Wednesday, the minimum wage increased from $10.45 to $10.70 per hour for non-tipped workers and from $5.25 to $5.35 per hour for tipped workers. Those ages 14 and 15 who work for small businesses may still be paid the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. The increase comes from a state constitutional amendment voted on by Ohioans in 2006. The increase is intended to account for inflation. Religious days House Bill 214 also went into effect on Wednesday. The bill requires schools to create policies that allow students to take up to three approved absences a year for religious reasons. Schools can verify with a child's guardian that the day is being used for religious instruction. Cell phone usage House Bill 250 took effect on Wednesday. The bill modifies several areas of education regarding financial literacy, education for those with visual impairments and more. It is primarily known for requiring schools to adopt policies regarding cell phone usage. Schools will be required to create policies governing the usage of cell phones during school hours. The bill's purpose is to "minimize student use of cell phones in K-12 schools," according to a press release. Schools will be required to have a full policy by Jul. 1. Single-sex bathrooms On Feb. 25, Senate Bill 104 will go into effect. The bill is officially named in reference to its revisions to the College Credit Plus Program. But the bill also includes House Bill 183 as a revision. The bill requires that school and university bathrooms, locker rooms and overnight accommodations be separated by a person's sex they were assigned at birth.