A view of the California state capitol building on National Urban League California Legislative Advocacy Day on March 13, 2024 in Sacramento, California. (Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for National Urban League)
More than a dozen states will raise their minimum wages in 2026, with New York increasing its minimum to $17 an hour in New York City, Long Island and Westchester County, and $16 in the rest of the state.
Washington’s statewide minimum wage will rise to $17.13 an hour — the highest in the U.S. — with other states, including Hawaii, Michigan and Nebraska, also boosting wages.
In Hawaii, lawmakers are raising the state’s Transient Accommodations Tax from 10.25% to 11% starting Jan. 1, as part of a so-called "green fee." The tax applies to operators of hotels and short-term rentals, as well as travel brokers, agents and tour packagers.
State officials said the increase is expected to generate roughly $100 million annually to fund environmental stewardship, climate resilience and sustainable tourism projects.
A man drinking whiskey. States are attempting to clamp down on driving under the influence of alcohol. (iStock)
In Utah, courts will be able to prohibit individuals convicted of driving under the influence from purchasing alcohol. Restaurants and bars will also be required to check the identification of every customer, regardless of age, before serving or selling alcohol.
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Meanwhile, Washington is overhauling its DUI laws in 2026, allowing some repeat offenders a second chance to avoid conviction through treatment while letting courts consider older DUI cases when determining penalties.
California is also tightening traffic safety enforcement, expanding "move over" requirements to protect roadside workers and strengthening penalties tied to dangerous driving violations.
Michael Dorgan is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business.
You can send tips to michael.dorgan@fox.com and follow him on Twitter @M_Dorgan.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/what-know-about-new-state-laws-taking-effect-2026-wages-snap-benefits