Six new state laws from rideshare driver rights to screen time limits : NPR
The TikTok logo is displayed on signage outside the offices of social media application company TikTok in Culver City, California September 30, 2025. A new law in Virginia aims to limit social media use by children under 16 to one hour per day. He faces a legal challenge.
Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images
hide caption
toggle caption
Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images
At NPR, we like to ring in the new year by looking at new state laws that go into effect on January 1.
This year, states are passing a series of laws focused on wages, social media rules, restrictions on gender-affirming care, AI regulation and more.
Here is a sampling of some of those changes, as reported by public media journalists across the country.
California rideshare drivers can unionize
Under a new law, California’s 800,000 rideshare drivers have the right to unionize starting Jan. 1. Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom negotiated the deal between unions and major ride-hailing companies, including Uber and Lyft.
Ride-sharing giants have backed expanding collective bargaining rights to their drivers in exchange for lawmakers agreeing to reduce the companies’ insurance costs for underinsured drivers.
After Massachusetts voters decided to do so in 2024, California became the second state to extend collective bargaining rights to rideshare drivers.
– Laura FitzgeraldCapRadio
More Paid Leave in Colorado for Parents of NICU Babies
Colorado families whose babies spend time in the NICU 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 off work to care for a new baby, a family health issue or a serious personal problem, and receive most of their pay during that time.
Now, families whose babies need to spend time in neonatal intensive care can request a 12 additional weeks paid leave. Supporters say it recognizes the added pressure families experience when caring for preemies and other newborns with significant health problems.
Democratic Sen. Jeff Bridges was a lead sponsor and said he was inspired by his own personal experience. His newborn was in intensive care, which he said was “terrifying and all-consuming.”
Democrats passed the bill, mostly along partisan lines. Opponents say they worry about increased costs for businesses and workers who pay into the program.
Illinois also has a new NICU law that goes into effect in June, but unlike Colorado, leave does not have to be paid.
– Bente BirkelandColorado Public Radio
Time Limits for Social Media in Virginia
In Virginia, a new law, which faces a legal challenge, aims to limit social media use by those under 16 to one hour per day, unless a parent agrees to a longer period. NetChoice, a group representing social media services, complaints the law violates the First Amendment. The author of the law, Democratic Senator Schuyler VanValkenburg, argues it is a “reasonable attempt to balance free speech with the safety and privacy of our children.”
In legal matters, NetChoice lawyers call the law is “the latest attempt in a long line of government efforts to restrict new forms of constitutionally protected expression, based on concerns about their potential effects on minors.” A preliminary injunction hearing is scheduled for mid-January.
– Brad KutnerWVTF
Eighteen states restrict SNAP money for candy and soda
Coca-Cola soft drinks are offered for sale at a grocery store on December 11, 2024 in Chicago. Changes to SNAP programs in 2026 in some states will prevent individuals from using their benefits to buy soda or other sugary drinks or foods.
Scott Olson/Getty ImagesNorth America
hide caption
toggle caption
Scott Olson/Getty ImagesNorth America
With permission from the Trump administration, 18 states will ban the purchase of candy, soda, 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, this will allow them to restrict Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program dollars to items 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 create healthier outcomes and said the goal aligned with President Trump’s push to restore SNAP to its “true purpose: nutrition.”
South Carolina will prohibit the purchase of candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and other sugary drinks using SNAP dollars.
Other states have narrower limits. Texas ban SNAP funds for sugary drinks and candy, and Virginia plans to ban SNAP dollars for certain “sugary drinks.” All 18 states have a target implementation date this year.
Among other things, critics of the waivers say they are skeptical bans will improve people’s health.
– Maayan SchechterSouth Carolina Public Radio
Paid leave for up to 20 weeks in Minnesota
Starting this week, most Minnesota workers will have access to paid family and medical benefits. The state is launching a program that allows 12 weeks of paid family leave to care for a loved one who is sick or bond with a babyas well as 12 weeks of medical leave to recover from illness or injury.
There is a cap of 20 weeks per year if someone operates both. Those who take paid leave will receive partial pay and be guaranteed that their job will be there when they return. Employers are also prohibited from retaliating against workers who take paid leave.
The program is financed by sharing social charges between employers and employees.
Some business groups tried to block the legislation, saying that if employees took a lot of time off, it could give more work to others.
About three-quarters of Minnesota workers are expected to receive more paid leave under the program than before. Minnesota will be one of 13 states to offer paid family and medical leave benefits.
– Dana FergusonMinnesota Public Radio
Illinois regulates AI, despite Trump’s executive order
Starting this year, Illinois employers are prohibited from using artificial intelligence in employment decisions — from hiring new recruits to promoting or disciplining current employees — if the technology takes into account demographic information, such as the person’s race or zip code.
It is an amendment to the state’s human rights law and was passed by the legislature’s Democratic supermajority. Democratic Sen. Javier Cervantes sponsored the measure. As an artist, Cervantes says he is genuinely concerned about the speed with which AI has advanced in recent years.
“This is uncontrolled technology,” Cervantes says. “We just have to step up and do our best.”
The new law follows President Trump’s executive order directing the U.S. Department of Justice to challenge state AI laws deemed “onerous.” Cervantes says he’s almost certain the DOJ will sue the state — as it has in more than thirty lawsuits so far — over the new law.
– Mawa IqbalWBEZ
