The new year has arrived, and with it, new laws in Arizona are now on the books. These may impact you, and knowing what has changed regarding this new legislation is essential.
The familiar law maxim of “ignorantia juris non excusat,” or “ignorance of the law is no excuse”, is just as relevant in the modern world as it was when the Romans and Greeks philosophized about it many centuries ago.
With over 25 years of experience, Jeff GOULD Law is the Attorney in YOUR Corner, so we’re arming you with the power of information on the new laws in Arizona for 2023.
Information is power, and Jeff GOULD Law is ALWAYS in YOUR Corner!
1: Criminal Records
For those who have been arrested, charged, or convicted of a criminal offense, this new law in Arizona a of 2023 offers some freedom from the limitations and stigma this can create. Arizona Revised Statute 13-911 allows state residents to petition to have their criminal records sealed. This is one of the powerful new laws in Arizona this year.
The petitioner must complete all terms and conditions related to any imposed sentencing, including fines and other forms of restitution. They can then petition the courts where they appeared, were charged, arrested, etc.
This will help those who successfully petition for their criminal records to be sealed when searching for housing and employment.
2: Income Tax
Arizona is now home to a flat income tax rate that is being implemented a year ahead of its original schedule. The new rate will go into effect on January 1st and will be capped at 2.5% for all Arizona residents. This will make Arizona’s income tax rate the lowest in the United States.
The law is replacing Arizona’s former graduated income tax scale, which began at 2.59% and capped at 4.5%. This is one of the most significant new laws in Arizona in 2023.
3: Driving Record
Arizona House Bill 2673 will now require the Arizona Department of Transportation to assess points against a resident’s license for one violation rather than many if these violations occurred in the same incident. The Arizona Department of Transportation will now choose the violation with the highest number of points that occurred in the incident and assess that against the driver’s license.
If you weren’t charged with a DUI, you automatically get your license back after 12 months.
4: Minimum Wage
Put in motion in 2016 by Prop. 206, and known as the Fair Wages and Healthy Families Act, Arizona’s minimum wage increased in 2023 to $13.85 for standard employees and $10.85 for tipped employees. Some cities are raising the minimum wage even higher, such as Flagstaff, which is currently set at $16.80
The current Federal minimum wage is set at $7.25, so Arizona residents making minimum wage will see nearly double that income in 2023.
5: Insulin Cost
Arizona seniors on Medicare will get a break on their insulin costs in 2023, thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act. The Act has now capped the monthly price of insulin for many who are on Medicare at just $35 per month, offering older diabetics this life-saving medication at an affordable price.
Although the Inflation Reduction Act comes from the federal government, it is still one of the new laws in Arizona for 2023. Approximately 63,000 Arizona Medicare patients used insulin during 2020, which will help many state residents save out-of-pocket prescription drug costs.
Whether it’s new laws in Arizona or old, Jeff GOULD Law will always represent you with the utmost professionalism and compassion. We provide unmatched criminal and DUI defense and personal injury representation, offering our clients over 25 years of experience.
Jeff GOULD Law focuses on your legal needs throughout the State of Arizona and provides representation to Tucson, Casa Grande, Oro Valley, Marana, Vail, and Southern Arizona.
DON’T WAIT! Contact us today!
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.