New State Laws to Know Starting July 1: Key Changes Across the U.S.

Every year, July 1 marks the rollout of new laws across many U.S. states, often aligning with the start of the fiscal year. Whether you’re a resident, traveler, or considering a move, here’s a quick look at some of the most notable new laws taking effect this month:

California

Minimum Wage Hikes: Many cities and counties are increasing local minimum wages.
Junk Fees Ban: Short-term rentals (like Airbnb) must disclose all charges up front.
Easy Subscription Cancellations: Online services must simplify the process for users to cancel subscriptions.
Anti-Drink Spiking: Bars must provide drink lids upon request (AB 2375).
Fertility Coverage: Employers with 100+ workers must offer insurance covering infertility diagnostics and treatments.

Colorado

Concealed Carry Training Requirements (HB 24-1174): Applicants must now complete 8 hours of in-person, live-fire training, along with education on safe firearm handling and storage.

Florida

Mental Health Diversion Programs: The Tristan Murphy Act supports counties in creating programs to keep mentally ill individuals out of jail.
Animal Abandonment Penalties (SB 150): Abandoning animals during natural disasters now carries steep fines and possible jail time.
Minors & Overdose Deaths (SB 612): Minors who distribute fatal drugs can be charged with murder.
Renaming the Gulf (HB 549): School materials must refer to the “Gulf of America” instead of the “Gulf of Mexico.”

Indiana

No College IDs at the Polls: Voter ID law now excludes university-issued IDs.
DEI Program Rollbacks (SB 289): Cuts back on diversity and inclusion efforts in public institutions.
Transgender Sports Ban (HB 1041): Bars transgender women from competing in college sports.
Lab-Grown Meat Ban (HB 1425): A two-year moratorium on the sale and production of lab-grown meat.

Tennessee

Immigration Transport Felony: It’s now a felony to conceal or transport undocumented migrants.
Classroom Phone Ban: Cellphones are banned in classrooms; more recess is now required.
Cyberbullying Penalties: Judges can suspend or delay a minor’s driver’s license for bullying.
Abortion Pill Lawsuits: Wrongful death claims can now be filed for abortions via medication.
Laser Pointer Ban: New statewide prohibition on laser pointers.

Virginia

Mail Tampering Felony: It’s now a felony to steal, destroy, or tamper with mail.
Seat Belt Law (HB 2475): All vehicle occupants, including those in the back seat, must wear seat belts.
Cocktails To-Go: Made permanent after a pandemic-era trial.
Kid Influencer Earnings (SB 998): Parents must place child-earned online content money into a trust.
Anti-Hate Symbol Law (HB 2783): Tougher penalties for defacing property with Nazi imagery.

These laws reflect a wide range of policy changes affecting everything from public safety and healthcare access to digital rights and workplace rules. For a full list of new laws in your area, check with your state legislature’s website or legal resources.

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