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When you wake up feeling groggy on January 1, you don’t just wake up into a new calendar year, but into a whole new legal landscape, as the introduction of numerous new laws takes effect.
From laws restricting access to the United States for foreign nationals from certain countries to folic acid being a required additive for corn tortillas in California, and from plastic grocery bag bans to minimum wage increases, Americans may have to adjust to both new state and federal laws on New Year's Day.
While many measures update existing laws, others introduce sweeping changes that could affect millions of workers, families, renters, students, and consumers nationwide.
Below are some of the most notable changes set to begin in 2026.
Minimum wage rises in at least 19 states
Minimum wages will increase in at least 19 state
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