California, more alcohol and weed; no more right-on red turns in D.C.

In 2025, new laws will be passed in America. States plan to increase the minimum wage, improve quality of life and reduce taxes.

California’s “Entertainment Zones” will allow bars to sell alcohol in public areas and on the sidewalk. This program is based on one that was implemented in San Francisco to boost foot traffic in areas recovering from the pandemic shutdown.

The state has also legalized cannabis cafes in the Amsterdam style, which sell food and beverages that are not pre-packaged.

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New York drivers will be given a crash-course in congestion pricing five days into the new year.

Plan to reduce traffic in Manhattan’s heart is set to begin on January 5. Last year, a last-minute change to the law threw it off course.

In peak hours, drivers entering midtown Manhattan and lower Manhattan will pay $9 if they have an E-ZPass. Otherwise, the cost is $13.50.

Pennsylvania has expanded a law that allows parents to leave their babies in safe havens if they are unable to care for them. Parents can now leave their infants in urgent care centers without being penalized, provided they are under 28 days old and not injured.

You can also surrender your infant at a hospital or a police station.

“Urgent Care Centers provide convenient, safe environments for parents to surrender their newborns unharmed. We can raise awareness and save more babies by including these centers in the list of options.

Illinois gyms are required to allow cancellation of memberships via email or the website.

The minimum hourly wage in the state has also been increased from $14 to $15.

In 2025, more than 20 states will raise their minimum wage. Washington State’s minimum wage is now the highest in the nation, with a 38-cent hike to $16.66.

Oregon, a neighboring state, will criminalize creation and distribution videos depicting animal abuse. It will also impose penalties on those who encourage such abuse.

A man who tortured monkeys for videos and then sold them online inspired the law. The abuse was not adequately addressed by state laws, so he had to be brought to federal court.

Maryland requires that insurers cover adults who have hearing aids fitted, prescribed and dispensated by licensed audiologists.

Children are covered by law. Adults can receive a maximum benefit of $1,400 for each hearing aid in a 36-month period.

The nation’s capital has banned drivers from turning right at a red traffic light.

The District of Columbia has not allocated enough money for the education of the public about the new rules, and so there are no signs at all intersections. The enforcement will be patchy.

Missouri motorists who violate the hands-free law for the first time will be fined instead of receiving warnings.

If you are caught using your phone while driving to text or make calls, the first violation will cost you $150. Subsequent violations can result in fines between $250 and $500. Drivers will not be penalized if they are stopped for another infraction if they use their cellphones.

Kansas will eliminate the state sales tax for food purchases as part of a law that began phasing out the tax in 2023.

In just two weeks the state sales tax will be gone. This will save the typical family of four $500 per year in groceries. Laura Kelly, a Democrat said on Facebook.

Texas lawmakers have repealed the requirement that noncommercial vehicles be inspected annually for safety. At registration, motorists will have to pay a “replacement fee for the inspection program” of $7.50. New vehicle owners will be required to pay a $16.75 initial inspection program fee for two years. In more than a dozen Texas Counties, including the major metropolitan areas, emissions tests will be required.

Georgia will introduce a Georgia Promise Scholarship in 2025. This scholarship offers K-12 students from low-performing schools funding of up to $6.500 per year for tuition at private schools, tutoring or other expenses that qualify through an education saving account.

Georgia Education Savings Authority, created by the state to administer this program, was hailed as a victory for school choice supporters.

Mitch Seabaugh said that applications should be expected by the middle of the year.

He said, “This exciting new scholarship program will be available for students in July 2025.”