artificial intelligence. abortion. gun. Marijuana. minimum wage.
To name a few hot topics, new laws are likely to go into effect in some state in 2025.
Many of the laws that take effect in January are the result of laws passed this year. Some result from ballot measures approved by voters. Some are facing legal problems.
Here are some of the most notable state laws in effect.
Hollywood stars and child influencers
California, home to Hollywood and the biggest tech companies, is trying to rein in the artificial intelligence industry and impose certain conditions on social media stars. A new law would ban the unauthorized use of digital replicas of Hollywood actors and performers and allow the estates of deceased performers to sue over unauthorized use of AI.
Parents who profit from social media posts featuring their children will be required to set aside a portion of their income for young influencers. The new law also allows children to sue their parents for neglecting their duties.
social media limits
New social media restrictions are being challenged in court in several states.
Florida law prohibits children under 14 from having social media accounts and requires parental consent for 14- and 15-year-olds. But enforcement has been delayed by lawsuits brought by two associations for online companies, with public hearings scheduled for late February.
Tennessee’s new law also requires parental consent for minors to open social media accounts. NetChoice, a trade group for online businesses, is challenging the law. Another new state law requires pornographic websites to verify that visitors are 18 or older. But the Free Speech Coalition, a trade group for the adult entertainment industry, objected.
Several new measures in California aimed at combating political deepfakes are also being challenged. These include requiring large social media platforms to remove deceptive election-related content and restricting individuals for using AI to create fabricated images and videos in the political arena. These include those that allow a person to sue for damages. advertisement.
School rules regarding gender
In a first in the nation, California will begin implementing a law that prohibits school districts from adopting policies that require staff to notify parents when a child changes gender identity. The law was a top priority for Democratic lawmakers who wanted to block such policies passed in several districts.
Abortion coverage
Since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned abortion rights nationwide in 2022, many states have passed laws restricting or protecting abortion rights. One of the newest states is Democratic-led Delaware. The country’s legislation would require health insurance plans for state employees and Medicaid plans for low-income residents to cover abortions without deductibles, copayments or other cost-sharing requirements.
gun control
A new Minnesota law bans guns with “binary triggers” that allow for faster firing, meaning one bullet is fired when the trigger is pulled and two rounds are fired when the trigger is released. is fired.
In Delaware, the law adds universities to the list of school districts where guns are prohibited, but makes exceptions for people working in public positions, such as law officers and commissioned security guards.
medical cannabis
Kentucky is becoming the latest state to allow people to use marijuana for medical purposes. To apply for a state medical marijuana card, you must provide written certification from your health care provider of a qualifying condition such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, epilepsy, chronic nausea, or post-traumatic stress disorder. Need to get it. Almost four-fifths of US states have now legalized medical marijuana.
minimum wage
Minimum wage workers in more than 20 states are set to get raises in January. The highest minimum wages are in Washington state, California, and Connecticut, all of which will exceed $16 an hour after a small increase.
The largest increases are expected in Delaware, where the minimum wage will increase by $1.75 an hour to $15 an hour, and in Nebraska, a ballot measure approved by voters in 2022 will raise the current minimum wage to $15. An additional $1.50 is added to a given hourly wage of $12.
Twenty other states still follow the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour.
safer travel
In Oregon, drug use on public transportation is considered a misdemeanor for interfering with public transportation. Although the measure passed Congress, several transportation officials said drug use on buses and trains and at transit stops and stations is making passengers and drivers feel less safe.
In Missouri, law enforcement officials have been warning motorists for the past 16 months that cell phone use is illegal. Penalties will be introduced in the new year. The fine increases to $150 for the first violation, $500 for third and subsequent violations, and up to 15 years in prison if the driver uses a cell phone and causes an accident. But before police can charge a motorist with cellphone law violations, they need to notice major violations such as speeding or crossing lanes.
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, Montana is the only state that does not ban texting while driving.
tax reduction
Tenants in Arizona will no longer have to pay taxes on their monthly rent, thanks to the repeal of a law that allowed cities and towns to levy taxes. The new law is a victory for renters, but an economic loss for the government. An analysis by Arizona’s bipartisan Joint Legislative Budget Committee estimates $230 million in lost city tax revenue during the first full fiscal year of implementation.
Meanwhile, Alabama plans to offer tax credits to businesses that help employees with child care costs.
Kansas will eliminate the 2% sales tax on groceries. It also reduces personal income taxes by lowering the top tax rate, expanding childcare expense deductions, and completely waiving social security income. Taxpayers are expected to save approximately $320 million annually going forward.
voting rights
Oklahoma’s law would extend voting rights to people who were convicted of a felony but had their sentences reduced or commuted, including commutations for crimes that were reclassified from felonies to misdemeanors. Former state Sen. George Young, an Oklahoma City Democrat, passed the bill in the Senate.
“I think it’s really important to have a system that brings people back who have gone through trials and tribulations in their lives and allows them to participate as contributing citizens,” Young said.
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Associated Press writer Tran Nguyen in Sacramento, California; Kate Payne of Tallahassee, Florida; Jonathan Mathis lives in Nashville, Tennessee. Randall Chase of Dover, Delaware; Steve Karnowski of Minneapolis; Bruce Schreiner of Frankfort, Kentucky; Claire Rush, Portland, Oregon. Summer Valentine’s Day in Jefferson City, Missouri. Gabriel Sandoval of Phoenix. Kim Chandler of Montgomery, Alabama; John Hanna of Topeka, Kansas; Oklahoma City’s Sean Murphy also contributed.
