As we enter the new year, there are plenty of changes that we anticipate to see. One of the main ways we think about changes in a new year are our resolutions and how we plan to improve ourselves that year. These aren’t the only changes that we could see in a new year, though.
While it’s ideal that you stick to your resolutions for the new year, they’re not promised to come to fruition. However, there are some changes that are promised, and those are law changes. As a resident of Arizona, you should know the changes coming to state law in 2022 so you stay informed and follow the law correctly.
Let’s take a look at what laws are changing in Arizona in 2022.
Minimum Wage Increase
Starting January 1, 2022, Arizona will see an increase in minimum wage to $12.80 an hour from $12.15 an hour. This 65 cent increase is part of the law from 2016 that put in place gradual wage increases based on cost of living. Originally, the minimum wage was $8.05 and had increased initially to $10, and then to $12 in 2020. From there, it’s now been upped to $12.80 based on cost of living.
It was initially argued that this law change would harm our state’s economy, but the opposite has proven true. These incremental minimum wage increases have helped the economy as well as the state’s workers.
The legislature from 2016 is Proposition 206, and it is still in effect today as it is re-evaluated every year to see if there needs to be a minimum wage increase based on the cost of living increases in the state.
Income Tax Changes
Tax bracket changes for Arizona citizens go into effect on January 1, 2022. Previously, there were four tax brackets, and now they are changed into two brackets. SB 1828 changes the amount of taxes Arizona citizens owe for the 2022 tax year.
Before these law changes, the tax rates for single filers ranged from 2.59 percent with income up to $26,500 to 4.5 percent with income more than $159,000. When filing jointly, the incomes limits are doubled.
Now, the 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. When filing jointly, the tax rate is 2.98 percent with incomes over $54,544. These tax brackets make filing taxes less complicated for single and joint filers in Arizona.
Adoptee Birth Certificate Changes
When a person is adopted in Arizona, they previously might not have had access to their original birth certificate. This can be challenging, especially when they reach 18 years of age and want to know the details about their birth. That’s what Arizona HB 2070 works to amend.
According to this bill, starting January 1, 2022, all an Arizona adoptee needs to do to obtain their original birth certificate is to submit a request. However, this is only if they were born before June 20, 1968. If you were born after that date, it can be a little more difficult to obtain your birth certificate, but it still could be possible.
When you were born after June 20, 2022, you can make a request, but you will require a court order to obtain your original birth certificate. This used to be how all adoptees needed to get their birth certificates, but the law has changed for the certain group of adoptees.
Buckingham & Vega Law Firm Has Your Back
As an Arizona citizen, you deserve to be up to date about the rights you have going into the new year. It can be hard to stay on top of everything, especially any law changes that could be happening. That’s why the lawyers at Buckingham & Vega Law Firm have detailed some of the most important law changes you should know for 2022.
By knowing what laws changed in 2022, you can ensure you stay as safe as possible in the new year as well as ensure you’re following the rules in our state.
Even if you follow the law, though, others might not be as careful. When others break the law with their negligence, they could cause an accident with you. In that scenario, they could cause you injuries and other damages. Our Arizona personal injury lawyers are here to recover compensation for you. Reach out to our office today so we can answer your questions and get started on your claim.