Various statewide media outlets began 2020 with reports on new laws affecting business that went into effect on January 1.

Here’s a sampling from a recent Spokesman-Review report:

• Teens can no longer legally buy tobacco or vaping products. The new legal age for purchase is now 21, which matches the new federal law. It’s more important than ever to proof customers for age.
• The Family and Medical Leave law has taken effect. It allows most employees up to 12 weeks of paid leave for bonding after childbirth, to address an employee’s serious health condition, a serious health condition of a qualifying family member and to participate in certain military events.
• Marijuana products must have clear labels that accurately describe THC and CBD chemical contents. Also, labeling cannot claim to cure or prevent disease or appeal to children.
• The former immediate Washington sales tax exemption for qualified out-of-state customers with low or no sales tax is no more. Now, such customers must apply to the state for a sales tax refund if the tax paid was at least $25. The new law limits applicants to one refund per person. Read more.

The full story is here.

Source: Spokesman-Review