These new laws take effect October 1 in Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia – NBC4 Washington

Dozens of new laws will take effect October 1 in the Washington, D.C. area, affecting everything from grocery bills and pet rent to how ICE agents work to how much medical leave you can take.

New laws in Maryland

Dynamic pricing prohibited in grocery stores:

The Predatory Pricing Protection Act is intended to help you save money on your groceries. It prohibits third-party grocery stores and delivery services from using dynamic pricing, meaning they use your data to decide how much to charge you.

“We find that this is an interesting issue that is really bipartisan, that really resonates with consumers, and that business lobbyists are fighting incredibly hard on,” said Consumer Reports’ Grace Gedye.

The new law will require grocery store prices to remain fixed for at least one business day. It also prohibits grocery stores from using monitoring data in automated decision systems to set individualized prices, according to Gov. Wes Moore’s office.

New laws related to law enforcement:

• ICE agents and other law enforcement officers will not be allowed to wear masks.
• Protection orders will be longer for victims of domestic violence, from seven to 14 days.
• There are new limits on how rap lyrics can be used as evidence in a criminal case.
• Juveniles will not automatically be charged like adults for committing certain crimes, such as assault.

New Laws in Virginia

Clean Slate Laws:

Several “clean slate” laws took effect in Virginia in July, and an extension was rolled out on October 1. The new law aims to give people a second chance by allowing those convicted of certain crimes to have their records automatically sealed after a certain period of time. These crimes include shoplifting and trespassing.

Change in Medicaid eligibility for non-citizens:

There is also a change that impacts health care and will limit non-citizens eligible for Medicaid. Starting October 1, adults (unless they are pregnant or postpartum) will no longer be eligible for full-fledged Medicaid unless they meet more restrictive immigration status rules. The new law will not change eligibility rules for pregnant or postpartum women, or for non-citizen children. The Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services says these are federally required changes to non-citizen Medicaid eligibility. The Commonwealth has a PDF that describes the changes.

Checks from tobacco retailers:

The Virginia Alcoholic Beverage and Control Authority will be required to conduct unannounced purchase operations at least once every 24 months to verify that businesses licensed to sell tobacco products are not selling them to persons under 21 years of age.

New laws in Washington DC

Reduction in family and medical leave:

In the District, new laws will reduce family and medical leave:

• Guaranteed family leave time will be cut in half, from 12 weeks to six.
• The duration of medical leave will be reduced from 12 to 10 weeks.

The maximum weekly benefit will increase from $1,190 to $1,100.

Parental leave will remain at 12 weeks, while prenatal leave will remain at two weeks. Neither will be affected by this change.

Rent limits for pets and end of landlord restrictions on breed and size:

When it comes to pet protection, there will be limits on how much tenants will have to pay toward their pet’s rent. Additionally, owners will not be able to ban common pets based on their breed, size or weight.

Additionally, beginning Oct. 1, at least one low-barrier shelter in the District must have space available for homeless residents with a shared pet.