In the United States, several states are introducing new laws addressing emerging issues in technology, social media, labor rights, and cannabis regulations. California is at the forefront of tech regulation with new laws protecting actors from digital replicas and requiring parents to set aside earnings for child influencers.
Starting January 1st, twenty states will raise their minimum wages, with Washington, California, and Connecticut leading the way above $16 per hour. New social media restrictions are also being implemented, including Florida’s ban on children under 14 having social media accounts without parental consent and a new Tennessee law requiring minors to get parental permission before opening an account.
To combat deepfakes in politics, California has passed measures that require large social media platforms to remove deceptive content related to elections. Other states are also taking steps to protect abortion rights, with Delaware introducing laws to cover abortions for state employees and Medicaid plans.
Additionally, marijuana is becoming increasingly legalized, with Kentucky allowing medical cannabis use and Minnesota banning guns with “binary triggers” that can cause rapid fire. Economic changes are also being implemented, including Oregon’s new law making drug use on public transit a misdemeanor crime and Missouri’s cellphone law penalties kicking in for the first time.
Furthermore, voting rights are expanding in Oklahoma, which has passed an amendment allowing people who have been convicted of felonies to participate in elections again after having their sentences discharged or commuted.
Source: https://gvwire.com/2024/12/27/new-2025-laws-hit-hot-topics-from-ai-in-movies-to-rapid-fire-guns