From gender-affirming care bans to minimum wage increases, these new laws take effect January 1

Several states saw a polarizing legislative session last year as lawmakers tackled high-profile measures, some of which take effect this year.

While many Democratic- and Republican-led states passed measures to ease the effects of inflation as the economy remains a top concern for voters ahead of the 2024 election, states were split along party lines on marquee issues such as abortion rights and gender-affirming care for minors.