![Higher Pay, Quicker Marriage Licenses Among New August Laws](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2016/07/laws.jpg?w=630&h=420&zc=1&s=0&a=t&q=89&w=980&q=75)
Higher Pay, Quicker Marriage Licenses Among New August Laws
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — New Minnesota laws that impact newlyweds, minimum wage earners and drug offenders are set to take effect this week.
Aug. 1 brings a bevy of new laws into place passed this year by the Minnesota Legislature. It also brings the final step of a three-year increase to the state's minimum wage, up to $9.50 an hour.
One new law allows people to bequeath control of social media accounts and other digital assets in their wills. The Legislature also removed the state's previous five-day waiting period to get a marriage license.
Plus, lighter prison sentences may await some drug offenders in an effort to reduce overcrowding in Minnesota prisons.
Minnesota lawmakers left big-ticket items like tax relief and construction projects unfinished. Legislative leaders are considering a special session in mid-August.
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