Overview
- California’s new measures now in force include required stoves and refrigerators in rentals, a tightened plastic bag ban that ends plastic checkout bags, AI safety and disclosure rules, and a $35 insulin copay cap for large state-regulated plans.
- Nevada began enforcing 55 laws, including clear AI labels on campaign materials, free state ID cards for people experiencing homelessness, and expanded election language access with a translation hotline.
- Federal SNAP changes take effect with stricter work requirements for more adults up to age 65, while several states move to block purchases of sugary drinks with SNAP; Utah’s restriction proceeds under a federal waiver.
- Nineteen states raise minimum wages and several expand paid family and medical leave, adding fresh worker protections at the start of 2026.
- California’s new restriction on law-enforcement face coverings is active and already facing a federal lawsuit, with federal agencies required to issue mask policies by July 1.