At Jeff GOULD Law, we know that if you break the law, you will face repercussions whether you were aware that your actions were illegal or not. A new year means new laws, and in Arizona, there are several new laws to note as of January 1, 2022. Understanding the changes that have been made to Arizona state law this year will help you stay informed and law-abiding. Take a look at 4 laws new to Arizona in 2022.
- Minimum wage increase
As of January 1, 2022, Arizona has seen an increase in the minimum wage. The 2021 minimum wage of $12.15 was increased to $12.80. This 65 cent increase is part of a 2016 statute that established a periodic wage increase based on cost of living adjustments.
Proposition 206, the legislation from 2016 that initiated the cost of living adjustments, is reevaluated every year to determine if a minimum wage increase is necessary, and 2022 proved the increase to be imperative.
It was initially argued that Proposition 206 could harm Arizona’s economy, but the opposite has proven to be the case. The incremental wage increases, including the most recent, have helped minimize the effects of cost of living increases and boosted the state’s economy.
- Income tax changes
Tax bracket adjustments for Arizona residents went into effect in January of this year. The previous four brackets have been minimized to two. Before this change, the tax rates for single filers ranged from 2.59 percent with income up to $26,500 to 4.5 percent with revenue more than $159,000, with monetary thresholds doubled for those filing jointly.
With the new legislation, SB 1828, tax rates for single filers range from 2.55 percent with income up to $27,272 to 2.98 percent with income more than $27,272. The change in tax brackets makes it much less complicated for both single and joint filers in Arizona.
- Adoptee birth certificates
Previously, when an individual was adopted in Arizona, they may not have had access to their original birth certificate. This made finding details of their birth or life before adoption difficult, especially once they reach the age of 18. Arizona HB 2070 was enacted to remedy this.
According to this bill, as of January 1, 2022, all Arizona adoptees may submit a request to receive their original birth certificate. However, this is only the case if the adoptee was born before June 20, 1968. If born after this date, a court order in addition to a formal request submission is required. So, if you were born after this date, this new law may not affect you, but if you are an Arizona adoptee born before June 20, 1968, getting access to your original birth certificate is now much more achievable.
- Homestead exemption increase
A homestead exemption is a legal provision that provides tax exemption and shields a home from some creditors following the declaration of bankruptcy or the death of a homeowner’s spouse. As of January 1, 2022, Arizona’s homestead exemption will increase from $150,000 to $250,000. Arizona HB 2617 means that Arizona homeowners can protect more of their home equity when in bankruptcy.
However, judgment liens previously didn’t apply to homestead property, and with the enacting of this bill, they now do. This means that Arizona homeowners wouldn’t have access to the homestead equity until they pay the lien holders. The lien serves as a guarantee that the debt will be repaid.
Jeff GOULD Law, the Attorney in YOUR Corner
As an Arizona citizen, you deserve to have the information you need to keep your rights protected. It can be hard to stay on top of everything, especially as laws are changed and enacted. This is why we’ve detailed the most important law changes for Arizona in 2022. Knowing what laws changed in 2022 can ensure you stay safe in the new year.
Jeff GOULD Law has been focused on you and your best interests for over 30 years. If you seek an honest, experienced, and aggressive attorney to fight for your rights: call The Attorney in YOUR Corner, we are here to help.
DISCLAIMER: The information on this blog/site is NOT, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. It is for general informational use only. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. Further, this information does not create an attorney-client relationship.