Tourists celebrating New Year's in Hawaii could be the first to pay taxes to help address the effects of climate change.
In Utah, people who have too much fun (and get caught driving drunk) may be among the first to have a red stripe on their driver's license that reads: “No Alcohol Sales.”
And motorists in Georgia can be the first to show their patriotism with President Donald Trump style and a special “America First” license plate.
The start of the year will bring with it a slew of new state laws, including some that appear to contain first-of-its-kind policies, programs or procedures.
Here are some of the new laws coming into force:
Many cities and states impose special taxes on hotel stays and vacation rentals. Hawaii will be the first state to increase accommodation tax for tourists specifically to help cope with the effects of climate change.
State officials hope to use revenue from the additional 0.75% daily room rate tax for projects such as replenishing sand on eroding beaches or removing invasive grasses similar to those that caused the fatal forest fire on Maui in August 2023. Officials estimate the so-called green levy would generate about $100 million a year.
“As an island chain, Hawaii cannot wait for the next disaster before taking action. We must build resilience now,” Democratic Gov. Josh Green said when he signed the law early last year.
Utah's already strict alcohol laws are getting even stricter. As part of a new law designed to prevent some people convicted of drunk driving from drinking, restaurants and bars will be required to verify the identity of every customer, regardless of age, before serving or selling them alcohol.
People convicted of “extreme drunk driving” — defined as having a blood alcohol level of at least 0.16% or one of several other factors — must surrender their driver's license. Any replacement ID will have a prominent red stripe on the front next to the words “No Alcohol Sales.” Judges will also have discretion to impose restrictions for less serious offenses, and anyone who wants to abstain from drinking can voluntarily obtain a red stripe ID card.
“While it's not completely foolproof in terms of guaranteeing that someone who has an alcohol limit won't drink, it just makes it harder for them,” said Republican Rep. Steve Eliason, the legislation's sponsor.
California is targeting high prescription drug prices in this business. It will be the first state to sell affordable private label insulin.
The sales come nearly three years after Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a partnership with the nonprofit Civica to sell government-branded generic drugs at lower prices. CalRx brand insulin pens will be available at a suggested price of $11 per pen or a maximum of $55 per pack of five.
Last year, Newsom also signed legislation that would require major health insurers to begin capping insulin copays at $35 a month.
The annual inflation adjustment would raise Washington state's minimum wage to $17.13 an hour, making it the first state to exceed the $17 threshold.
The rest are not far behind. The statewide minimum wage will rise to $16.94 an hour in Connecticut and $16.90 an hour in California.
In some cities, the minimum wage will be even higher. The rate will rise to $21.30 an hour in Seattle and to $21.65 in suburban Tukwila, Washington.
At least a dozen states will have minimum wages of $15 or more, including new rates set by voter-approved measures in Missouri and Nebraska. In contrast, 20 other states still adhere to the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.
Georgia's new specialty vehicle license plates will feature an image of the American flag with the words “America First.” The license plate will cost $90 for the first year and $55 for renewal, compared to $20 per year for a standard license plate.
The new license plate gives people the opportunity to “show your support for President Trump and his movement every mile you drive,” said Republican Sen. Steve Gooch, who sponsored the legislation.
“No other state has adopted it,” Gooch said. But “I predict that next year other states will copy our legislation.”
Several other states are also introducing new patriotic license plates to mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Michigan will have a new red, white and blue license plate. South Carolina will have a freedom flag plaque that reads, “Where the Revolutionary War Was Won.” Pennsylvania kicked off the celebration earlier this year by printing a “Let Freedom Ring” license plate with an image of the Liberty Bell.
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Lieb reported from Jefferson City, Missouri. Associated Press writers Jeff Amy in Atlanta; Matthew Brown in Billings, Montana; Jennifer Kelleher in Honolulu; and Tran Nguyen in Sacramento, California, contributed to this report.
