These regulations will change in April

Highlights: These regulations will change in April. From the entry into force of the cannabis law to new rules for cameras in Airbnb properties, April brings a number of changes. From April 1st, the income limit for parental allowance will change. Minimum wage for painters and varnishers will get more money from April. Venice is introducing a fee for day visitors for the first time between April 25th and May 5th. If you want to go to the historic center between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., you will have to pay five euros.

From the entry into force of the cannabis law to new rules for cameras in Airbnb properties, April brings a number of changes – the overview.

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Joint smokers in Berlin (archive photo)

Photo: Kay Nietfeld / dpa

April is not only known for changeable weather, it also brings a number of changes to rules and regulations. An overview of everything from parental allowance to fees for Venice visitors:

New income limit for parental allowance

For couples who have children from April 1st, the income limit for parental allowance will change. Only parents with a taxable income of a maximum of 200,000 euros are then entitled to the benefit. Before it was 300,000 euros. A year later the limit should be 175,000 euros. The limits for single parents should be adjusted to those for couples. According to the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, the associated law is still in the parliamentary process.

A change is also planned for the partner months during parental leave: As before, parental leave can be increased from twelve months to 14 months if the parents share the care. In the future, however, at least one of the partner months must be taken by one person alone, meaning that both parents can only take parental leave for one month and only within the first twelve months.

Smoking weed is becoming legal

After years of discussions in politics and medicine, the way for legal weed smoking in Germany will be clear in certain cases from April. Consumption and possession of cannabis of up to 25 grams will be permitted for adults in the future. Consumption remains prohibited in the immediate presence of minors and near schools, daycare centers and sports facilities. Cultivation and distribution should then be made possible from July 1st via cultivation associations, so-called cannabis clubs. When growing at home, up to 50 grams and three plants are allowed. This must be protected from access by minors.

Qualification money for further training

On April 1st, the Federal Employment Agency (BA) will introduce the so-called qualification allowance. This is aimed at employees who are at risk of losing their job due to the climate-friendly restructuring of the economy, but who could continue to work through further vocational training. In these cases, the BA pays up to 67 percent of the net salary during further training. Employers should, however, cover the costs of the measure and can top up their wages.

Amazon shortens return periods

As of April 25th, returns on Amazon for many products are only possible up to 14 days after receipt of delivery. So far it has been 30 days. According to the company, the shortened return period applies to cameras, electronics, office supplies, computers, video games, music and video/DVD. There are no changes to Amazon products and renewed devices. There will be a transition period between March 25th and April 25th during which a 30-day return can still be requested.

Mobility grant for trainees

If the apprenticeship is far from home, trainees can receive a mobility grant from April. This is available for apprentices in their first year of training for two trips home per month.

Airbnb bans cameras inside properties

The holiday rental agency Airbnb wants to ban security cameras from the interior of accommodations offered on the platform. According to the company, the new regulation will apply worldwide from April 30 and is intended to protect privacy.

Outdoor cameras remain permitted for security and to ensure that no unauthorized persons enter the apartments. But here too, the rules are being tightened: landlords must disclose exactly where such outdoor cameras are installed. The cameras must also not be aimed at areas such as outdoor showers or saunas.

Minimum wage for painters and varnishers increases

Painters and varnishers will get more money from April. The industry minimum wage will then rise from the current 14.50 euros to 15 euros. Unskilled workers receive 13 euros instead of 12.50 euros.

Fee for day tourists in Venice

Venice is introducing a fee for day visitors for the first time between April 25th and May 5th. If you want to go to the historic center between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., you have to pay five euros.

The fee is initially intended for certain dates and periods with high visitor volumes. Children under 14 can still visit the city free of charge at any time.

dab/dpa