Six new state laws from rideshare driver rights to screen time limits : NPR

Here at NPR, we like to ring in the new year by examining the new state laws that go into effect January 1st.

This year, states are passing a slew of laws related to wages, social media regulations, restrictions on gender-affirming care, regulation of artificial intelligence, and more.

Here are some of these changes reported by media journalists across the country.

Rideshare drivers in California could unionize

Under the new law, California's 800,000 rideshare drivers have the right to unionize starting Jan. 1. Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom brokered a deal between organized labor and major ride-sharing companies including Uber and Lyft.

Ride-sharing giants have backed expanding collective bargaining rights for their drivers in exchange for lawmakers agreeing to cut the companies' insurance costs for underinsured drivers.

After Massachusetts voters decided to do so in 2024, California became the second state to expand collective bargaining rights to rideshare drivers.

– Laura FitzgeraldCapRadio

More paid leave in Colorado for parents of NICU babies

Colorado families whose children spend time in the intensive care unit will be able to take more paid leave this year. Colorado's paid family leave program already allows workers to take up to 12 weeks of leave to care for a newborn child, serious family health issue or personal issue and receive the majority of their pay during that time.

Families whose children require neonatal intensive care can now apply for additional 12 weeks paid leave. Supporters of the project say it recognizes the added strain families face when caring for premature babies and other newborns with significant health problems.

Democratic Sen. Jeff Bridges was one of the main sponsors and says he was inspired by his own personal experiences. His newborn was in intensive care, which he said was “horrible and debilitating.”

Democrats passed the bill largely along party lines. Opponents say they are concerned about increased costs for businesses and workers who pay for the program.

Illinois also has a new ICU law that goes into effect in June, but unlike Colorado, the leave is not required to be paid.

– Bente BirkelandColorado Public Radio

Social Media Time Limits in Virginia

A new law in Virginia that faces legal challenges seeks to limit social media use by those under 16 to one hour a day unless a parent agrees to a longer period. NetChoice, a group representing social networking services, claims the law violates the First Amendment. The author of the law, Democratic Senator Schuyler Van Valkenburg, asserts it is “a reasonable attempt to balance free speech with the safety and privacy of our children.”

In legal documents, NetChoice attorneys call The law was “the latest attempt in a long line of government efforts to restrict new forms of constitutionally protected expression based on concerns about their potential impact on minors.” A preliminary hearing on the injunction is scheduled for mid-January.

– Brad KutnerWWTF

Eighteen States Limit SNAP Benefits on Candy and Soda

With permission from the Trump administration, 18 states will ban the purchase of candy, soda, energy drinks and other items with federal dollars intended for low-income households.

In states that include South Carolina, Florida, Hawaii and Texas, received waivers from the US Department of Agriculture in 2025, it would allow them to limit Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program funds to foods that states deem non-nutritious.

Citing obesity statistics among adults and children, South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster said in December that the waiver would help achieve healthier outcomes and said the goal was consistent with President Trump's push to return SNAP to its “true purpose: nutrition.”

South Carolina will ban the purchase of candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and other sweetened drinks using SNAP dollars.

Other states have more restrictive restrictions. Texas would prohibit SNAP funds from sweetened beverages and candy, and Virginia plans to ban the use of SNAP dollars for certain “sweetened beverages.” All 18 states have set a target implementation date sometime this year.

Among other things, critics of refusals say they are skeptical bans will improve people's health.

– Nice ShechterSouth Carolina Public Radio

Up to 20 weeks of paid leave in Minnesota

Starting this week, most Minnesota workers will have access to paid family and medical leave. The state is launching a program that provides 12 weeks of paid family leave to care for a sick loved one or connection with the childand 12 weeks of sick leave to recover from illness or injury.

If someone presses both, the year will be limited to 20 weeks. Those taking paid time off will receive partial pay and have the assurance that their job will remain intact when they return. Employers are also prohibited from retaliating against employees who take paid leave.

Program financed by splitting the payroll tax between employers and employees.

Some business groups tried to block the law, saying that allowing employees to take significant time off could increase the workload for others.

About three-quarters of Minnesota workers are expected to receive more paid leave under the program than before. Minnesota will be among 13 states offering paid family and medical leave.

– Dana FergusonMinnesota Public Radio

Illinois Regulates AI Despite Trump's Order

Starting this year, employers in Illinois are prohibited from using artificial intelligence in hiring decisions—from hiring new employees to promoting or disciplining current employees—as long as the technology takes into account demographic information such as a person's race or zip code.

It's an amendment to the state's Human Rights Act passed by an overwhelming majority of Democrats in the Legislature. Democratic Sen. Javier Cervantes sponsored the measure. As an artist, Cervantes says he has serious concerns about how quickly artificial intelligence has advanced over the past few years.

“It's an unproven technology,” Cervantes says. “We just have to face it and do the best we can.”

The new law comes on the heels of President Trump's executive order directing the US Department of Justice to challenge state artificial intelligence laws deemed “burdensome.” Cervantes says he's almost certain the Justice Department will sue the state—as it has already done in more than thirty lawsuits—over the new law.

– Mawa IqbalVBEZ