New Legal Regulations in July

In July 2024, several new laws came into effect in Germany that affect various areas of life. These new regulations include changes in the areas of pensions, health care, drug policy, the justice system, transportation, as well as the environment and agriculture. Here are the key changes and the groups of people affected in detail:

Pensions and Social Security

As of July 1, 2024, the pension amount will be increased by 4.57 percent. This adjustment exceeds the inflation rate of 2.8 percent and applies to pensioners in both the former and new federal states. This measure ensures that pensions in eastern and western Germany rise at the same rate. Pensioners benefit particularly from this, as they receive the pension increase without any differences between the federal states.

Another important point is the supplement to the disability pension. Approximately three million people whose reduced earning capacity pension began between 2001 and 2018 will receive an additional supplement starting in July 2024. This is particularly relevant for those who rely on a reduced earning capacity pension and whose pension began during this period.

Companies wishing to hire skilled workers from third countries can now apply for labor market admission digitally through the Federal Employment Agency. This digital pre-approval allows companies to obtain approval quickly and provide it to prospective employees for visa applications. This regulation simplifies the recruitment process for companies and accelerates the integration of skilled workers from abroad.

Health and Care

The new regulations on preventive healthcare include raising the age limit for free breast cancer screening. Women can now undergo free breast cancer screening up to the age of 75, which facilitates access to early detection for older women.

For heavy smokers aged 50 to 75, lung cancer screening using low-dose computed tomography (CT) will be offered starting in July 2024. This screening was previously limited due to radiation-related risks, but new studies have shown that the benefits outweigh the risks. This measure is aimed at individuals who are at increased risk for lung cancer and could benefit from early detection.

In addition, a new staffing regulation will take effect, requiring hospitals to calculate and regularly review their staffing needs for nursing staff on their wards. This is intended to ensure that sufficient nursing staff are available to guarantee appropriate patient care. Hospitals must now verify whether the number of nursing staff meets the calculated needs and, if necessary, take steps to increase staffing levels.

Drug Policy

In the area of drug policy, the cultivation of cannabis in cultivation associations will be permitted. Starting July 1, 2024, such associations may cultivate cannabis if they have official authorization. This cannabis may then be distributed to adults for personal use. The new regulation allows cultivation associations to legally grow and distribute cannabis, which changes the legal framework for private cannabis use.

Justice and Consumers

The new regulations on name changes expand the options for changing one’s last name. Particularly in marriages, double surnames or maiden names can now be adopted into the names of shared children. This regulation simplifies the name-change process and offers greater flexibility for families.

The exemption limits for garnishment are also being raised. Starting in July 2024, the new exemption limit for net income will be 1,499.99 euros. This gives people with debts more financial leeway and improves the situation for debtors who have a regular income. The exemptions for maintenance obligations are also being increased, which likewise has a positive effect on the financial situation of those affected.

Transportation

In the transportation sector, the toll requirement is being expanded to include trucks weighing more than 3.5 tons. Previously, the toll requirement applied only to vehicles weighing 7.5 tons or more. However, tradespeople’s vehicles weighing less than 7.5 tons remain exempt from the toll requirement. This expansion primarily affects truck drivers and transport companies, who will now have to pay tolls for more vehicles.

Furthermore, starting July 7, 2024, newly registered cars and light commercial vehicles must be equipped with a data recorder that logs anonymized driving data. These so-called “black boxes” help investigate accidents by storing relevant driving data that can be analyzed in the event of an accident.

Environment and Agriculture

In the area of the environment, the Climate Adaptation Act is being introduced, which mandates measures to adapt to climate change. Cities and municipalities must now develop local risk analyses and adaptation plans to better prepare for the impacts of climate change. These measures include, among other things, strategies for cooler cities and increased shading.

Another important environmental law concerns beverage caps. Starting in July 2024, caps must be attached to single-use beverage containers to reduce environmental pollution caused by loose caps. This regulation aims to reduce waste and protect the environment.

For glyphosate, the existing application restrictions remain in place. Farmers can continue to rely on established rules that regulate the use of glyphosate in particularly sensitive nature and water protection areas. This regulation protects important natural resources and ensures that the use of glyphosate is controlled and limited.

In summary, the new regulations taking effect in July 2024 will lead to significant changes in various areas of life, with implications for both individuals and society.