Starting from the New Year, a multitude of new laws are slated to take effect across the United States, spanning a wide range of subjects, from car ornaments to controversial issues like gun

regulation and gender-affirming treatments.

In Illinois, motorists can finally hang fuzzy dice without the fear of being pulled over. The state has revised its windshield rule, allowing items like air fresheners and parking placards to hang freely without serving as a reason for law enforcement to stop drivers.

The revised law aims to deter discriminatory practices and racial profiling during traffic stops. Democratic State Senator Christopher Belt underscored this, emphasizing that the state does not condone racial profiling.

Furthermore, Illinois also passed a law preventing video conferences or social media engagement while driving, addressing modern forms of distracted driving.

GUN REGULATIONS AND ONLINE ACTIVITIES

Various states are implementing new laws related to guns and online activities. Minnesota is set to adopt red-flag laws, allowing authorities to request temporary gun confiscation for individuals posing an imminent threat. Colorado, on the other hand, is banning the creation or assembly of untraceable firearms without serial numbers, commonly known as "ghost guns."

At the same time, there's an increased focus on online activities. Connecticut has mandated online dating operators to implement policies to handle harassment reports between users.

In North Carolina, legislation requires pornographic websites to verify viewers' age through a commercial database, enabling parents to sue companies if minors access such content. Illinois is allowing lawsuits from victims of deepfake pornography without their consent.

LGBTQ+ RIGHTS

The landscape of transgender rights and protections is evolving. While some states are enacting bans on gender-affirming treatments for minors, others, like Hawaii, are introducing laws allowing individuals to change their sex designation on marriage certificates. Hawaii is also changing gender-specific terms in state law to be more inclusive.

Colorado is taking steps towards gender-neutral restrooms in government-owned buildings, ensuring inclusivity across facilities.

BOOKS IN SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES

Efforts are being made to regulate the content available in schools and libraries. Indiana has eased the process for challenging books in school libraries. Conversely, Illinois has passed a law that could restrict state funding for public libraries that limit or ban books.

TAXES AND WAGES

The New Year brings changes in taxes and wages across several states. More than 20 states are increasing their minimum wage, with rates surpassing the federal minimum of $7.25 per hour.

Maryland, New Jersey, Connecticut, California, and Washington are among the states where the new minimum wage will be higher, with some reaching $16 or more per hour.

Additionally, various states are altering tax policies to benefit residents. Kansas is reducing the sales tax on groceries, and Connecticut is lowering income tax rates, providing relief for lower-income workers and retirees.

Missouri is also reducing income tax rates while expanding exemptions for Social Security benefits and military training pay. Alabama is exempting overtime pay from state income tax for a limited period.

These new laws reflect the diverse array of changes expected to impact citizens across different states in the upcoming year. Photo by Eric Kilby from Somerville, MA, USA, Wikimedia commons.