The state’s new laws for 2026 are among the first of their kind

Tourists celebrating the New Year in Hawaii could become the first to be taxed to address the consequences of climate change.

In Utah, people who party too hard — and are caught driving drunk — may be among the first to get their driver’s licenses striped red with the words: “No Alcohol Sales.”

Georgia motorists could become the first to show their patriotism in President Donald Trump’s style with a special vehicle license plate bearing the phrase “America First.”

The first of the year brings with it a variety of new state laws, including some that appear to have first-of-its-kind policies, programs or procedures.

Here’s a look at some of the new laws that have gone into effect.

The first tourist tax on earth

Many cities and states impose special taxes on hotel stays and vacation rentals. Hawaii will become the first state to raise its tourist lodging tax specifically to help combat the effects of climate change.

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State officials hope to use revenue from the additional 0.75% daily room rate tax for projects such as replenishing sand on eroding beaches or removing invasive grasses similar to the one that sparked a deadly wildfire on Maui in August 2023. Officials estimate the so-called “green fees” would generate nearly $100 million annually.

“As an island chain, Hawaii cannot wait until the next disaster strikes before taking action. We must build resilience now,” Democratic Gov. Josh Green said while signing the legislation earlier last year.

“ID please” – no matter your age

Utah’s already strict alcohol laws are getting stricter. As part of a new law aimed at keeping alcohol away from some people convicted of drink driving, restaurants and bars will be required to verify the identity of every customer, regardless of age, before serving or selling alcohol to them.

People convicted of “excessive drunken driving” — defined as a blood alcohol content of at least 0.16% or one of the other factors — must surrender their driver’s licenses. Any replacement ID card will have a prominent red stripe on the front along with the words “No Alcohol Sale.” Judges will also have the discretion to impose the restriction for less serious crimes, and anyone who wants to avoid drinking can voluntarily obtain a red stripe ID card.

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“While this isn’t exactly counterproductive in terms of ensuring that someone on a leash doesn’t drink alcohol, it does make it more difficult for them,” said Republican state Rep. Steve Eliason, the legislation’s sponsor.

Government brand insulin for sale

California targets rising prescription drug prices by getting into the business itself. It will become the first state to sell affordable insulin under its own label.

The sales come nearly three years after Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a partnership with the nonprofit Civica to sell state-branded generic drugs at lower prices. The CalRx brand of insulin pens will be available at a recommended price of $11 per pen, or a maximum of $55 for five refills.

Newsom also signed legislation last year that will require large health insurers to begin capping insulin payments at $35 per month.

The minimum wage exceeds $17 per hour

The annual inflationary adjustment would raise Washington’s statewide minimum wage to $17.13 per hour, making it the first state to exceed the $17 threshold.

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Others are not too far behind. The state minimum wage will rise to $16.94 an hour in Connecticut and $16.90 and California.

Some cities will have higher minimum wages. The rate will rise to $21.30 an hour in Seattle and $21.65 in the Washington suburb of Tukwila.

The minimum wage in at least a dozen states will be $15 or more, including new rates set by ballot measures approved by voters in Missouri and Nebraska. By contrast, 20 other states still follow the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.

National road plates

Georgia’s new specialty vehicle license plates will display an image of the American flag with the phrase “America First.” The plate will cost $90 for the first year and $55 to renew, compared to $20 per year for a standard license plate.

Republican state Sen. Steve Gooch, who sponsored the legislation, said the new license plate gives people a chance to “show their support for President Trump and his movement with every mile you drive.”

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“No other country has surpassed it,” Gooch said. But “I expect other states will copy our legislation next year.”

Several other states are also introducing new national license plates to mark the country’s 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Michigan will have a new red, white and blue license plate. South Carolina will have a Liberty Flag plaque that reads “Where the Revolutionary War Was Won.” Pennsylvania got a head start on the celebration earlier this year, printing a “Let Freedom Ring” license plate featuring the Liberty Bell.

Lieb reported from Jefferson City, Missouri. Associated Press writers Jeff Amy in Atlanta; Matthew Brown in Billings, Montana; Jennifer Kelleher in Honolulu; and Tran Nguyen in Sacramento, California, contributed to this report.