Several U.S. states have enacted new laws taking effect on January 1, 2024. These legislative changes cover areas such as labor rights, social media usage, family leave, nutritional assistance, and artificial intelligence regulation.
California: Rideshare Driver Unionization
Effective January 1, California's estimated 800,000 rideshare drivers are granted the right to unionize. This agreement was facilitated by Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom between organized labor and major rideshare companies, including Uber and Lyft. The rideshare companies supported the expansion of collective bargaining rights in exchange for legislative adjustments reducing their insurance costs for underinsured drivers. California is now the second state, following Massachusetts, to extend collective bargaining rights to rideshare drivers.
Colorado: Extended Paid Leave for NICU Families
Colorado families whose infants require neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) stays will be eligible for additional paid leave beginning this year. The state's existing paid family leave program provides up to 12 weeks of leave for new babies or serious family/personal health issues with partial pay. The new law allows an additional 12 weeks of paid leave specifically for babies requiring NICU care. State Senator Jeff Bridges (D), a primary sponsor, cited personal experience as inspiration for the bill. The legislation passed largely along party lines. Opponents expressed concerns regarding potential increased costs for businesses and workers contributing to the program. Illinois will also implement a new NICU law in June, though it does not mandate paid leave.
Virginia: Social Media Age Restrictions
Virginia has implemented a new law designed to limit social media use for individuals under 16 years of age to one hour daily, unless a parent provides consent for a longer duration. This law faces a legal challenge from NetChoice, an organization representing social media services, which asserts the law infringes upon First Amendment rights. State Senator Schuyler VanValkenburg (D), the law's author, stated the intent is to balance free speech with child safety and privacy. NetChoice's legal filings characterize the law as part of a trend of governmental efforts to restrict protected expression based on perceived effects on minors. A preliminary injunction hearing is scheduled for mid-January.
Eighteen States: SNAP Purchase Restrictions
Eighteen states have received waivers from the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 2025, enabling them to prohibit the use of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funds for specific items deemed non-nutritious, such as candy, sodas, and energy drinks. These states include South Carolina, Florida, Hawaii, and Texas. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster stated in December that the waiver would contribute to healthier outcomes and align with the stated goal of restoring SNAP's purpose to nutrition, citing adult and child obesity statistics. Other states have more specific restrictions; for instance, Texas will prohibit SNAP funds for sweetened drinks and candy, while Virginia plans to bar them for certain sweetened beverages. All 18 states have a target implementation date within the current year. Critics of these waivers have expressed skepticism regarding their effectiveness in improving public health.
Minnesota: Comprehensive Paid Family and Medical Leave
As of this week, most workers in Minnesota will have access to paid family and medical leave benefits through a new state program. The program provides 12 weeks of paid family leave for caring for a sick family member or bonding with a new baby, and 12 weeks of paid medical leave for personal illness or injury. A combined annual cap of 20 weeks applies if both types of leave are utilized. Employees taking paid leave will receive partial wages and retain job protection upon their return. The program is funded by a payroll tax shared between employers and employees. Some business groups opposed the legislation, citing concerns about increased workloads for other employees when colleagues take extended leave. Approximately three-quarters of Minnesota workers are projected to receive enhanced paid leave benefits under this program. Minnesota is now among 13 states that offer paid family and medical leave benefits.
Illinois: AI Regulation in Employment Decisions
Illinois employers are now prohibited from utilizing artificial intelligence in employment decisions, including hiring, promotions, or disciplinary actions, if the technology incorporates demographic information such as race or ZIP code. This amendment to the state's Human Rights Act was passed by the legislature's Democratic supermajority and sponsored by State Senator Javier Cervantes (D). Senator Cervantes cited concerns about the rapid advancement of AI. This new law follows an executive order from former President Trump directing the U.S. Department of Justice to challenge state AI laws deemed 'cumbersome.' Senator Cervantes anticipates a potential legal challenge from the DOJ.