Key Takeaways:
- California rideshare drivers have the right to unionize starting on January 1
- Colorado families whose babies spend time in the NICU can take an additional 12 weeks of paid leave
- Virginia has a new law limiting social media use by those under 16 to one hour a day, unless a parent agrees to a longer period
- 18 states will ban the purchase of candy, sodas, energy drinks, or other items using federal dollars intended for low-income households
- Minnesota workers will have access to paid family and medical leave benefits, with a cap of 20 weeks in a year
- Illinois regulates AI in employment decisions, prohibiting the use of technology that factors in demographic information
Introduction to New State Laws
The start of a new year brings a plethora of new state laws that aim to address various issues, including social media use, paid leave, and artificial intelligence. This year, states are enacting laws that focus on wages, social media rules, restrictions on gender-affirming care, AI regulation, and more. In this article, we will explore some of the notable laws that have taken effect on January 1, as reported by public media journalists across the country.
California Rideshare Drivers Unionize
In California, rideshare drivers have gained the right to unionize, thanks to a new law that took effect on January 1. This law allows the state’s 800,000 rideshare drivers to collective bargaining rights, making California the second state to do so after Massachusetts. The law was brokered by Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, who negotiated a deal between organized labor and major rideshare companies, including Uber and Lyft. In exchange for the expansion of collective bargaining rights, lawmakers agreed to slash the companies’ insurance costs for underinsured drivers.
Paid Leave for NICU Families in Colorado
Colorado families whose babies spend time in the NICU will now be able to take an additional 12 weeks of paid leave. The state’s paid family leave program already allows workers to take up to 12 weeks off from work to care for a new baby or for a serious family health or personal issue, and receive most of their pay during that time. The new law acknowledges the extra strain families are under when caring for preemies and other newborns with significant health problems. Democratic State Sen. Jeff Bridges, one of the main sponsors of the bill, was inspired by his own personal experience, which he described as "terrifying and consuming."
Social Media Time Limits in Virginia
A new law in Virginia aims to limit social media use by those under 16 to one hour a day, unless a parent agrees to a longer period. However, the law faces a legal challenge from NetChoice, a group representing social media services, which claims that the law violates the First Amendment. The law’s author, Democratic State Sen. Schuyler VanValkenburg, argues that it’s a "reasonable attempt to balance free speech with the safety and privacy of our children." A preliminary injunction hearing is set for mid-January.
Restrictions on SNAP Money for Candy and Soda
Eighteen states will ban the purchase of candy, sodas, energy drinks, or other items using federal dollars intended for low-income households. The states, which include South Carolina, Florida, Hawaii, and Texas, received waivers from the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 2025 that will allow them to restrict Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program dollars for items deemed non-nutritious. Critics of the waivers argue that they are skeptical the bans will improve people’s health, while supporters claim that it will help create healthier outcomes.
Paid Leave in Minnesota
Minnesota workers will now have access to paid family and medical leave benefits, with a cap of 20 weeks in a year. The state is launching a program that allows 12 weeks of paid family leave to care for a sick loved one or bond with a baby, as well as 12 weeks of medical leave to recover from illness or injury. The program is funded through a payroll tax split between employers and employees, and employers are barred from retaliating against workers who take the paid time off. Roughly three-quarters of Minnesota workers are expected to receive more paid leave benefits under the program than they had previously.
AI Regulation in Illinois
Illinois has introduced a new law that regulates the use of artificial intelligence in employment decisions. The law prohibits employers from using AI that factors in demographic information, such as a person’s race or ZIP code, when making hiring, promoting, or disciplining decisions. The law was passed by the legislature’s Democratic supermajority and is seen as a way to get in front of the rapidly progressing technology. However, the law may face a challenge from the U.S. Department of Justice, which has been directed by President Trump to challenge states’ AI laws deemed "cumbersome."