Several new laws took effect on January 1, 2026. First, all barbers and cosmetologists will be required to undergo domestic violence training when applying for or renewing their licenses. The training will last one hour and can be online or in person.

All health insurers, including self-insured entities, must provide free cancer screenings to firefighters. There can be no co-pay or deductible charged to the firefighter. Firefighters are at great risk for cancer due to the chemicals and smoke exposure.

Certain out of network providers must be covered in network by a health insurance plan if there are no specialists in network. This will protect people with rare medical conditions. No authorization is needed for transfers to a special pediatric hospital. Health insurers must now cover hearing aids prescribed , fitted, and dispensed by a licensed hearing aid provider.

A new law requires residential service agencies to categorize home care workers as employees. Transportation network companies must also provide weekly earnings summaries to ride share drivers.

There are many other new laws that have taken effect as well. These are just some of the highlights.