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Home News New State Laws In 2025 Tackle AI, Abortion, And Minimum Wage

New State Laws In 2025 Tackle AI, Abortion, And Minimum Wage

by Celia
State Laws

New laws taking effect in 2025 address a wide range of hot-button issues, including artificial intelligence, abortion, guns, marijuana, and minimum wage. These laws, some of which face legal challenges, reflect ongoing debates and policy shifts across the United States.

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In California, where entertainment unions went on strike in 2023, new laws aim to regulate the use of digital replicas and artificial intelligence in the entertainment industry. These laws seek to prevent the unauthorized use of performers’ likenesses and allow the estates of deceased performers to sue over unauthorized AI use. Additionally, parents who profit from their children’s social media posts will be required to set aside some earnings for their young influencers. Children will also have the right to sue their parents for failing to do so.

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Several new social media restrictions are facing court challenges. For example, a Florida law bans children under 14 from having social media accounts and requires parental consent for 14- and 15-year-olds. Enforcement has been delayed due to a lawsuit filed by online industry groups. Similarly, a Tennessee law requiring parental consent for minors to open social media accounts is being challenged by NetChoice, an industry group for online businesses.

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California is also addressing political deep fakes with new measures, including one that requires large social media platforms to remove deceptive content related to elections. Another law allows individuals to sue for damages over the use of AI to create fabricated images or videos in political ads.

In a first-of-its-kind move, California will enforce a law prohibiting school districts from requiring staff to notify parents when their children change their gender identification at school. This law was a priority for Democratic lawmakers aiming to protect transgender students.

On the issue of abortion, Delaware has passed a law requiring state employee health plans and Medicaid to cover abortions without any cost-sharing requirements. This comes as many states have enacted laws limiting or protecting abortion rights since the US Supreme Court overturned the nationwide right to abortion in 2022.

Minnesota has passed a law prohibiting guns with “binary triggers” that allow for rapid firing. In Delaware, a new law adds colleges and universities to the list of school zones where guns are prohibited, with exceptions for law enforcement and security personnel.

Kentucky has legalized medical marijuana, allowing people with qualifying conditions such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, and PTSD to apply for medical cannabis cards. Nearly four-fifths of US states now allow medical marijuana.

Minimum wage workers in over 20 states will see raises in January. The highest minimum wages will be in Washington, California, and Connecticut, all exceeding $16 per hour. Significant increases are scheduled in Delaware, where the minimum wage will rise to $15 per hour, and in Nebraska, where it will increase by $1.50.

In Oregon, using drugs on public transit will be considered a misdemeanor crime. In Missouri, penalties for handheld cellphone use while driving will take effect, with fines escalating for repeat offenses.

Arizona has repealed a law allowing cities to tax monthly rent, resulting in a financial loss for local governments. Meanwhile, Alabama will offer tax credits to businesses that assist employees with child care costs.

Kansas is eliminating its 2% sales tax on groceries and cutting individual income taxes, saving taxpayers about $320 million annually. Oklahoma has expanded voting rights to people with past felony convictions, allowing them to participate as contributing citizens.

These new laws reflect the diverse priorities and ongoing debates in state legislatures across the country.

Read more:

What Laws Apply To All States: Comprehensive Guide

The 10 Most Unjust Laws In The United States

States With Community Property Laws

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