Overview
- Minimum wages rise on Jan. 1, including New York to $17 in NYC/Long Island/Westchester and $16 upstate, and Washington to $17.13, the highest statewide rate.
- Hawaii lifts its Transient Accommodations Tax to 11% on Jan. 1, with officials projecting about $100 million annually for environmental and climate projects.
- Indiana, Nebraska and Iowa will restrict SNAP purchases such as candy and sugary drinks, while new federal rules require many able-bodied adults to work or train at least 80 hours a month to keep benefits.
- California’s new measures starting Jan. 1 require working refrigerators in rentals, cap insulin copays at $35 for a 20‑day supply, and add AI safeguards including limits on chatbot impersonation and disclosure when AI drafts police reports.
- Minnesota launches paid family and medical leave of up to 20 weeks and updates rest and meal break requirements beginning Jan. 1.