New Laws for 2026
Each year, new laws take effect that can impact your work, money, and daily life. Some laws apply across the entire U.S., while others apply only in certain states or cities.
Here’s what to know as we head into 2026.
Federal New Laws (All States)
Federal laws apply in every state. Here’s what’s changing:
Student Loan Wage Garnishment Resumes
Starting in January 2026, the federal government will resume wage garnishment for people who have defaulted federal student loans.
This means:
If your federal student loans are in default, part of your paycheck may be taken to repay the debt.
Borrowers must receive advance notice before garnishment begins.
This can also affect tax refunds and other federal payments.
This law applies nationwide, not just in one state.
New York State New Laws
These new laws apply only in New York State:
Minimum Wage Increase
On January 1, 2026, New York increases its minimum wage:
$17 per hour in New York City, Long Island, and Westchester
$16 per hour in the rest of New York State
Employers must pay at least this amount for each hour worked.
Traffic Violation Point Changes
In 2026, New York is updating how driver penalty points are assigned for certain traffic violations:
1. Stricter Rules for Suspension
Threshold: Suspension now triggers at 10 points (was 11).
Duration: Points stay "active" for 24 months (was 18).
Automatic Trigger: A single DWI or AUO (Driving While Suspended) conviction now carries 11 points, enough for an immediate suspension hearing.
2. Significant Point Increases
8 Points: Reckless driving, passing a stopped school bus, or any speeding in a work zone.
5–6 Points: Cell phone/texting (6), following too closely (5), and failure to yield to a pedestrian (5).
4 Points: Minor speeding (1–10 mph over).
3. New Violations with Points
Offenses that used to be simple fines (0 points) now carry penalties:
3 Points: Failure to "Move Over" for emergency vehicles.
2 Points: Illegal U-turns or obstructing traffic.
1 Point: Equipment defects (e.g., a broken taillight).
4. New Intervention Steps
4–6 points: You receive an official "Early Warning" letter.
7–10 points: You must complete a mandatory Driver Improvement Clinic.
3. The LLC Transparency Act
Starting January 1, 2026, New York will begin enforcing a major transparency law for small businesses:
Disclosure: Most Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) must disclose their "beneficial owners" (the actual people who own or control the company) to the NY Department of State.
Purpose: This is designed to prevent the use of anonymous "shell companies" for money laundering, tax evasion, or hiding "mystery landlords."
4. Subscription "Click-to-Cancel" Law
New York is making it harder for companies to "trap" you in subscriptions:
Companies must allow you to cancel a subscription using the same method you used to sign up.
If you signed up online with one click, they must provide a clear, easy "one-click" way to cancel online without making you call a customer service representative.
New York City Laws (Local – Not Statewide)
These new laws apply only within New York City, not the entire state:
Street Vendor Penalty Changes
Starting March 9, 2026, unlicensed street vending in NYC will no longer be a criminal offense.
Instead:
Vendors may receive civil fines
No criminal charges or jail time for licensing violations
2. Delivery Worker Protections
Effective January 26, 2026, NYC adds new rules for app-based delivery workers:
Companies must clearly explain how pay is calculated
Workers must be paid on time after each pay period
Delivery apps must offer customers a tip option at checkout
These rules aim to protect delivery workers and improve pay transparency.
3. Immigration Scam Awareness
Also starting January 26, 2026, New York City must increase public education about immigration service scams.
This includes:
Public ads and outreach
Information on how to spot fake lawyers or notarios
This helps protect immigrants from fraud.
4. Empire State Child Credit Increase
For the 2026 tax year (which people will file for in early 2027), the credit amounts are increasing to provide more support for families:
Children under age 4: The credit remains at $1,000 per child.
Children ages 4 to 16: The credit increases to $500 per child (up from $330 in 2025).
New Monthly Payment Option: A major change for 2026 is that the state is working toward allowing families to receive this credit in advance monthly or quarterly payments rather than one lump sum at tax time.
5. SAFE for Kids Act
Enforcement of this act ramps up in 2026 to protect minors from "addictive" social media features:
Algorithmic Feeds: Platforms (like TikTok or Instagram) cannot show "addictive" algorithmic feeds to users under 18 without parental consent.
Nighttime Notifications: Apps are restricted from sending notifications to minors between 12:00 AM and 6:00 AM without parental permission.
New Jersey State New Laws
These new laws apply only in New Jersey:
Minimum Wage Increase
On January 1, 2026, New Jersey raises its minimum wage:
$15.92/hour for most workers
$15.23/hour for seasonal and small business workers
$14.20/hour for farm workers
$18.92/hour for long-term care direct care workers
2. Higher Worker Benefits
New Jersey increases benefit amounts for:
Unemployment insurance
Temporary disability
Family leave
Workers’ compensation
These changes mean more financial support during illness, job loss, or family care.
3. Bridge Toll Increases
Starting January 1, 2026, all eight bridges operated by the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission (DRJTBC) shifted to these new rates for Westbound/PA-bound travel only.
1. Passenger Vehicles (Cars, SUVs, Motorcycles)
E-ZPass: Increased to $2.00 (up from $1.50).
Toll-By-Plate (Mail): Increased to $5.00 (up from $3.00).
Commuter Math: For a daily 5-day-a-week commuter, this adds roughly $20/month to your E-ZPass bill.
2. Commercial & Large Vehicles (8ft+ Height)
E-ZPass: Increased to $6.50 per axle (up from $4.50).
Toll-By-Plate (Mail): Increased to $8.00 per axle (up from $5.00).
Impact: A standard 5-axle tractor-trailer now costs $32.50 with E-ZPass or $40.00 by mail.
3. Key Details
Affected Bridges: Includes I-78, I-80 (Water Gap), I-295 (Scudder Falls), Route 1, Route 202, Route 22, Route 206, and the Portland-Columbia bridge.
No Cash: All locations are 100% electronic. If you don't have E-ZPass, you are automatically billed at the much higher "Toll-By-Plate" rate.
Excluded Bridges: The Philadelphia bridges (Ben Franklin, Walt Whitman, etc.) kept their rates at $6.00 and did not join this 2026 increase.
4. Expanded Voter Rights for 17-Year-Olds
New Jersey is expanding the voting booth to younger citizens:
Primary Voting: 17-year-olds are now permitted to vote in primary elections, provided they will turn 18 on or before the date of the general election in November.
5. Annual Gas Tax Adjustment
As part of the state's plan to fund the Transportation Trust Fund, New Jersey drivers may see a slight increase at the pump:
The state evaluates the gas tax annually to ensure enough revenue is generated for road and bridge repairs. Any scheduled increases typically take effect on July 1, 2026.