New 2026 legal guidelines are among the many first of their variety to sort out local weather change, drunken driving

By DAVID A. LIEB, Related Press

Vacationers celebrating the brand new yr in Hawaii might change into the primary to be taxed to handle the results of local weather change.

In Utah, individuals who social gathering too heartily — and get caught driving drunk — could possibly be among the many first to have their driver’s licenses striped crimson with the label: “No Alcohol Sale.”

And motorists in Georgia might change into the primary to show their patriotism by way of the stylings of President Donald Trump with a particular “America First” automobile license plate.

The primary of the yr brings with it quite a lot of new state legal guidelines, together with some that seem to include first-of-their-kind insurance policies, packages or procedures.

Right here’s a take a look at a few of the new legal guidelines taking impact:

The primary tourism tax for the earth

Many cities and states impose particular taxes on lodge stays and trip leases. Hawaii will change into the primary state to hike its vacationer lodging tax particularly to assist address the results of a altering local weather.

State officers hope to make use of the proceeds from the extra 0.75% every day room charge tax for tasks like replenishing sand on eroding seashores or eradicating invasive grasses comparable to people who fueled a lethal wildfire on Maui in August 2023. Officers estimate the so-called “Inexperienced Charge” will generate practically $100 million yearly.

“As an island chain, Hawaii can not await the subsequent catastrophe to hit earlier than taking motion. We should construct resiliency now,” Democratic Gov. Josh Inexperienced mentioned whereas signing the laws earlier this previous yr.

`ID please’ — regardless of your age

Utah’s already strict alcohol legal guidelines are getting even stricter. As a part of a brand new legislation supposed to maintain alcohol away from some individuals convicted of drunken driving, eating places and bars will probably be required to examine the identification of each buyer, no matter age, earlier than serving or promoting them alcohol.

Individuals convicted of “excessive driving underneath the affect” — outlined as a blood alcohol content material of not less than 0.16% or considered one of a number of different elements — should give up their driver’s licenses. Any substitute ID will bear a outstanding crimson stripe on the entrance alongside the phrases, “No Alcohol Sale.” Judges additionally could have the discretion to impose the restriction for lesser offenses, and anybody eager to shun booze can voluntarily get hold of a red-striped ID.

“Whereas this isn’t fully bulletproof by way of making certain that someone that’s alcohol-restricted isn’t going to drink, it simply makes it harder for them,” mentioned Republican state Rep. Steve Eliason, sponsor of the laws.

State-branded insulin on the market

California is concentrating on excessive prescription drug costs by entering into the enterprise itself. It can change into the primary state to promote inexpensive insulin underneath its personal label.

The gross sales come practically three years after Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom introduced a partnership with the nonprofit Civica to promote state-branded generic medicine at decrease costs. The “CalRx” model of insulin pens will probably be out there at a beneficial worth of $11 per pen, or a most of $55 for a five-pack.

Newsom additionally signed laws this previous yr that can require giant well being insurers to begin capping insulin copayments at $35 per 30 days.

A minimal wage tops $17 an hour

An annual inflationary adjustment will elevate Washington’s statewide minimal wage to $17.13 an hour, making it the primary state to exceed the $17 threshold.

Others aren’t too far behind. The statewide minimal wage will rise to $16.94 an hour in Connecticut and $16.90 and California.

Some cities could have even increased minimal wages. The speed will rise to $21.30 an hour in Seattle and $21.65 in its suburb of Tukwila, Washington.

A minimum of a dozen states could have minimal wages of $15 or extra, together with new charges set by voter-approved poll measures in Missouri and Nebraska. In contrast, 20 different states nonetheless observe the federal minimal wage of $7.25 an hour.

Patriotic plates for the street

New specialty automobile license plates in Georgia will show a picture of the American flag with the phrases “America First.” The plate will price $90 the primary yr and $55 to resume, in comparison with $20 yearly for the standard license plate.

The brand new license plate provides individuals a possibility to “present your assist for President Trump and his motion with each mile you drive,” mentioned Republican state Sen. Steve Gooch, who sponsored the laws.

“No different state has handed it,” Gooch mentioned. However “I predict different states will copy our laws subsequent yr.”

A number of different states are also introducing new patriotic license plates timed to the nation’s 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Michigan could have a brand new crimson, white and blue license plate. South Carolina could have a liberty flag plate with the phrases, “The place the Revolutionary Warfare Was Gained.” Pennsylvania acquired a head begin on the celebration earlier this yr, printing a “Let Freedom Ring” license plate that includes the Liberty Bell.

Lieb reported from Jefferson Metropolis, Missouri. Related Press writers Jeff Amy in Atlanta; Matthew Brown in Billings, Montana; Jennifer Kelleher in Honolulu; and Trân Nguyễn in Sacramento, California, contributed to this report.