Missouri's New Laws: Hands-Free Driving, Minimum Wage Increase, and Expungement Changes As of January 1st, 2025, Missouri's "Siddens Bening Hands-Free Law" prohibits drivers from holding their phones while operating a vehicle, punishable by fines ranging from $150 to $500.
The state's minimum wage rises to $13.75 per hour, with tipped employees guaranteed at least 50% of that minimum wage plus additional pay to reach the total.
Proposition A, which mandated the minimum wage increase, also includes a provision for one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, effective May 1st. A lawsuit challenging Proposition A's constitutionality is underway, but has not yet prevented the minimum wage increase from taking effect.
Missouri's 2012 criminal expungement law has been updated, expanding the number of expungements allowed and reducing waiting periods.
