New State Laws 2026: Hawaii Taxes, AI Safety & More

What's Changing in 2026: A Look at New State Laws

As the calendar turns to 2026, a wave of new state laws are taking effect across the nation, impacting everything from tourism and artificial intelligence to healthcare and environmental initiatives. This article breaks down six notable examples, providing clarity on what these changes mean for residents and visitors alike.

Keywords: new state laws, 2026 laws, Hawaii taxes, AI regulations, Illinois plastic ban, Georgia teledentistry, California AI chatbots, Utah ID checks, New York scalp cooling

Image Recommendation: A collage featuring images representing each of the six laws (Hawaii beach, Utah ID, New York cancer ribbon, Illinois hotel room, Georgia dentist, California chatbot icon).

Hawaii: 'Green Fee' for Tourists to Fund Climate Action

Hawaii is implementing a new tax on tourists staying at hotels, vacation rentals, and on cruise ships. This “Green Fee” aims to generate approximately $100 million annually to fund climate and environmental programs. The law, facing legal challenges, increases existing hotel taxes and applies them to cruise ship passengers. Governor Josh Green emphasized the need for proactive climate resilience measures, stating the fee will provide crucial financing for future resources.

Learn more about Hawaii's climate initiatives.

Utah: Strict ID Checks for Alcohol Purchases

Utah's new law mandates that all establishments serving alcohol verify the ID of every customer, regardless of their apparent age. This stricter measure aims to prevent underage drinking. Individuals with prior DUI convictions may also be designated as “interdicted,” requiring a special ID indicating they are prohibited from purchasing alcohol.

Details on Utah's alcohol laws.

New York: Insurance Coverage for Scalp Cooling During Chemotherapy

New York is pioneering a significant advancement in cancer care by requiring private insurance companies to cover scalp cooling treatments for chemotherapy patients. This treatment helps preserve hair during chemotherapy, a significant quality-of-life improvement for many patients. Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal championed the bill, highlighting its potential to ease the burden on cancer patients.

Information on scalp cooling and cancer treatment.

Illinois: Ban on Small Plastic Toiletries in Hotels

Illinois is tackling plastic pollution with a new law prohibiting hotels from providing small plastic bottles of toiletries (less than 6 ounces) unless specifically requested by guests. This law, initially targeting larger hotels and now encompassing all establishments, aims to reduce unnecessary plastic waste.

Explore Illinois' environmental initiatives.

Georgia: Expanding Teledentistry Services

Georgia is embracing technological advancements in healthcare by allowing dentists to offer teledentistry services. While limitations exist regarding the types of care and examinations that can be provided remotely, this law expands access to dental consultations and evaluations through secure online platforms. The Georgia Dental Association supports the law's potential to extend the reach of dental professionals.

Resources on teledentistry and oral health.

California: Safety Guardrails for AI Companion Chatbots

California is taking a proactive approach to regulating artificial intelligence with a new law focused on companion chatbots. This law requires chatbot platforms to implement safeguards to prevent users, especially minors, from being exposed to harmful content related to suicidal ideation or self-harm. It also mandates disclosure to minors that they are interacting with AI.

Important Resource: If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or a mental health crisis, please contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988lifeline.org

Conclusion

These six new state laws represent a diverse range of policy changes aimed at addressing pressing issues, from climate change and healthcare to artificial intelligence and environmental sustainability. Understanding these changes is crucial for residents, businesses, and visitors across the country. Stay informed and be prepared for the new landscape of 2026!