Top 5 Most Interesting New Laws Of 2025

As 2024 fades into the background, a new set of state laws and regulations are set to go into effect beginning on January 1, 2025. These laws range from retail theft to pregnancy leave for private company employees, as state legislatures pass new laws to address the problems of last year. Below are some significant new legislation that will go into effect this year. 

Medical Bills Will Not Impact Consumer Credit Scores 

The outgoing Biden Administration has prohibited medical debts from impacting consumer credit scores. Medical debt listed on a credit report will be prohibited from being considered a negative factor in decisions to extend credit. The intent of the order is to protect patients from having their ability to buy a house or a land a job impacted by their healthcare. However, it is currently unknown whether the incoming administration will repeal this rule.  

Protecting Pets from Domestic Violence 

Pennsylvania will give judges the ability to bar a defendant from possessing, abusing, or harming a victim’s pet. A plaintiff must still apply for a restraining order, but the new Pennsylvania will permit courts to extend such restraining orders to the applicant’s pets as well. Pennsylvania joins 35 other states that seek to protect pets in their restraining orders.  

Social Media Ban for Children 

Florida will pioneer a new law that bans children under 14 from having social media accounts. 14 and 15-year-olds can have a social media account if parents provide their consent. Social media companies will not be required to immediately remove Florida minors from their platforms.  

Private-Sector Pregnancy Leave 

New York will mandate that private-sector offer pregnant women up to 20 hours of paid leave a year for prenatal care. Federal, state or local government employees are not entitled to the new leave. The 20 hours of paid leave can be taken in hourly increments. Unused paid prenatal personal leave is not a benefit that needs to be paid out upon an employee’s termination, resignation or separation from employment. 

Cracking Down on Retail Theft 

It is now considered a felony in California to possess over $950 of items obtained through retail theft with the intention to resell it. Breaking into vehicles to steal property valued at $950 or more with the intention to resell is also considered a felony. The new laws are a reversal on previous laws that made it a misdemeanor for criminal defendants to steal over $900 of items.  

Do I Need to Contact a Lawyer About Changes in State Law? 

Whether you need to contact a lawyer about changes in state law depends on the specific changes in the law and how they may affect you or your business. 

If you have any concerns or questions about how the changes may impact you, it may be a good idea to  consult with a lawyer  who is knowledgeable about the laws in your state.  

Only a lawyer can advise you on your rights and responsibilities and help you navigate the legal process. Use LegalMatch to find the right lawyer for your questions today.