Rideshare union rights, social media limits and other state laws taking effect Jan. 1

"Under a new law, California's 800,000 rideshare drivers have the right to unionize starting on Jan. 1. Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom brokered the deal between organized labor and major rideshare companies, including Uber and Lyft. The rideshare giants supported the expansion of collective bargaining rights to their drivers in exchange for lawmakers agreeing to slash the companies' insurance costs for underinsured drivers. After Massachusetts voters decided to do so in 2024, California became the second state to extend collective bargaining rights to rideshare drivers."

"Colorado families whose babies spend time in the NICU will be able to take more paid leave this year. Colorado's paid family leave program already allows workers to take up to 12 weeks off from work to care for a new baby, or for a serious family health or personal issue, and receive most of their pay during that time. Now, families whose babies require time in neonatal intensive care can apply for an additional 12 weeks of paid leave."

Multiple states implement new laws effective Jan. 1 covering wages, social media rules, restrictions on gender-affirming care, AI regulation, and other policy areas. California grants 800,000 rideshare drivers the right to unionize starting Jan. 1 after a deal brokered by Gov. Gavin Newsom with major companies including Uber and Lyft, with companies supporting collective bargaining rights in exchange for lowered insurance costs for underinsured drivers. California becomes the second state after Massachusetts to extend collective bargaining rights to rideshare drivers. Colorado expands paid family leave by allowing families with babies in neonatal intensive care to apply for an additional 12 weeks.

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