State Laws Impact

Key Areas Where State Laws Differ Significantly:

Be sure to research the specific laws in your destination state for these common areas:

• Taxes: This is a major one. States vary widely in how they tax residents:
  • Income Tax: Eight states currently have no state income tax (AK, FL, NV, SD, TN, TX, WA, WY), while NH taxes only interest and dividend income. Others have flat tax rates or progressive brackets with vastly different top rates and income thresholds.
  • Sales Tax: Rates vary by state, and many localities add their own sales taxes on top of the state rate. Five states have no statewide sales tax (AK, DE, MT, NH, OR), though Alaska allows local sales taxes.
  • Property Tax: Rates are set locally (county, city, school district) and vary dramatically based on property values and local funding needs.
  • Other Taxes: Consider potential differences in vehicle taxes, gas taxes, sin taxes (alcohol, tobacco), etc.
• Employment Laws: While federal laws set baselines, states often add protections or have different rules regarding:
  • Minimum Wage: Many states and even cities have minimum wages higher than the federal $7.25/hour.
  • Overtime Rules: Some states (like CA, CO, AK, NV) have daily overtime rules (e.g., over 8 hours/day) in addition to the federal weekly rule (over 40 hours/week).
  • Paid Sick Leave / Family Leave: Federal law (FMLA) provides unpaid leave, but several states have mandated paid sick leave or paid family/medical leave programs.
  • Non-Compete Agreements: State laws vary significantly on the enforceability of non-compete clauses in employment contracts.
  • Worker Protections: Differences can exist in areas like discrimination protections (some states add categories beyond federal law), meal/rest break requirements, and final paycheck laws.
• Traffic and Driving Laws: Rules of the road can differ noticeably:
  • Speed Limits: Vary significantly by state and type of road.
  • Seat Belt & Child Safety Seat Laws: Requirements for all passengers and specific age/weight/height rules for child seats differ. Enforcement (primary vs. secondary offense) also varies.
  • Mobile Phone Use / Distracted Driving: Laws range from total handheld bans to texting-only bans or restrictions only for novice drivers. Penalties vary.
  • Right Turn on Red: Permitted in most places after a full stop unless signed otherwise, but rules can have slight variations (e.g., NYC generally prohibits it).
  • U-Turns: Legality varies by location and signage.
  • Vehicle Inspections: Some states require annual safety and/or emissions inspections, while others do not.
• Housing & Tenant Rights: Landlord-tenant laws are primarily state-based and differ significantly on:
  • Security Deposit Limits & Handling: Rules on maximum deposit amounts, requirements for holding deposits in separate accounts, and deadlines/procedures for returning deposits and itemizing deductions.
  • Lease Agreements: Required clauses, notice periods for termination or non-renewal.
  • Landlord Entry Rules: Required notice period before a landlord can enter a tenant's unit (except emergencies).
  • Rent Control: Only exists in a few states and specific cities; many states prohibit local rent control ordinances.
  • Eviction Procedures: Specific legal processes and timelines landlords must follow.
  • Habitability Standards: Landlord's responsibility to maintain a safe and livable property.
• Other Potential Differences:
  • Gun Laws: Vary dramatically regarding permits, types of firearms allowed, concealed/open carry, and storage requirements.
  • Alcohol Sales: Hours, locations (grocery stores vs. state-run stores), and types of alcohol sold vary.
  • Marijuana Laws: Legality for recreational or medical use differs widely state-by-state.
  • Family Law: Differences in divorce proceedings (residency requirements, grounds), child custody standards, and marriage requirements (though same-sex marriage is legal nationwide).
  • Environmental Regulations: Standards for emissions, recycling programs, plastic bag bans, etc.
  • Consumer Protection Laws: Rules regarding warranties, returns, debt collection practices.
  • Professional Licensing: Requirements to practice certain professions (doctors, lawyers, teachers, real estate agents, tradespeople) are state-specific and often require obtaining a new license or transferring credentials.

How to Research Laws in Your New State:

• Official State Government Website: Most states have a central portal (e.g., [StateName].gov) linking to various agencies.
• State Legislature Website: You can usually find the official text of state statutes (laws) and regulations here. Look for sections titled "Statutes," "Laws," "Code," or "Regulations."
• Specific State Agency Websites: For targeted information, visit the websites of relevant agencies:
  • Department of Revenue / Taxation (for tax laws).
  • Department of Labor (for employment laws).
  • Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) / Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) (for driving and vehicle laws).
  • Attorney General's Office (often has consumer protection and tenant rights information).
  • Housing Authorities or Department of Community Affairs (for landlord-tenant laws).
  • Department of Health (for health regulations, immunizations).
• Legal Information Websites: Sites like Justia, FindLaw, or Cornell's Legal Information Institute (LII) compile state laws and provide summaries (but always verify with official state sources).
• Local Government Websites: Don't forget to check your specific city or county website for local ordinances that may also apply (e.g., parking rules, noise ordinances, local taxes).