Starting Thursday, dynamic pricing is banned in grocery stores across Maryland, Virginians with certain misdemeanor offenses will have their conviction records automatically sealed and reduced paid family leave benefits take effect in the District.
The changes are among scores of laws taking effect across the D.C. region on Oct. 1.
Here is a look at some of the new provisions:
Maryland
Ban on face coverings for law enforcement: Law enforcement officers in Maryland are now barred from wearing masks or other face coverings, with some exceptions. The legislation also directs state officials to develop a policy requiring officers to wear visible identification while on duty. The legislation comes as federal officers have started regularly wearing masks during immigration raids. Federal judges have struck down similar laws in California and Virginia after legal challenges from the Trump administration.
New firearms laws: Licensed firearms dealers in Maryland must notify state officials of crimes that occurred at their business, including thefts and burglaries, within 24 hours or face potential fines. Another new law requires firearms dealers and law enforcement agencies operating gun buyback programs to destroy all weapons that are traded in.
Protective orders: The length of temporary protective orders granted to victims of domestic violence or stalking increases from seven days to 14 days. The law also requires that a hearing on a final protective order be held within that two-week period.
Dynamic pricing ban: Maryland is set to become the first state to ban grocery stores and other food retailers from adjusting prices based on demand, known as dynamic pricing. The law, known as the Protection From Predatory Pricing Act, would require stores to keep prices fixed for at least one business day. It also prohibits grocery stores and third-party delivery services from using private customer data to set prices for items.
Restrictions on rap lyrics in court: Maryland law enforcement officials and prosecutors can no longer use rap lyrics or other forms of creative expression as evidence during a criminal proceeding unless they can prove the lyrics were meant literally or are tied to a specific crime.
Virginia
More criminal records sealed: Under Virginia’s “Clean Slate” legislation, people convicted of some misdemeanor offenses, including petit larceny, disorderly conduct and certain trespassing offenses, will have those records automatically sealed. Additionally, records for marijuana possession will be sealed automatically. The law, which initially took effect July 1, allows individuals convicted of other misdemeanors and some nonviolent felonies to petition the court to seal their records.
D.C.
No pet breed restrictions for tenants: District landlords can no longer restrict specific types of pets based on breed, size or weight under a tenant protections measure. The city legislation also limits how much a landlord can charge a tenant for housing their pet.
Reduced paid family leave: Paid family leave for District residents is set to reduce from a maximum of 12 weeks to six weeks, and the maximum paid medical leave will decrease from 12 weeks to 10. The weekly maximum benefit for paid leave also drops from $1,190 to $1,100. The maximum parental leave remains unchanged at 12 weeks.
The post What to know as new laws take effect Oct. 1 in D.C., Maryland and Virginia appeared first on Washington Post.
