States across the country are preparing for new laws, some of which are controversial, that are expected to go into effect as early as Wednesday.
In Louisiana, a new law requires public schools, including universities, to display the Ten Commandments. Enforcement is not required in some areas during litigation.
Meanwhile, California passed a bill that would prevent local governments from requiring voter ID at elections, a move that comes in response to some cities passing their own voter ID requirements. .
Here are five controversial laws that will go into effect in 2025.
The Ten Commandments in Louisiana Schools
Gov. Jeff Landry (R) signed a bill in June requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in public classrooms.
ofthe law specifically requires“Must be displayed on a poster or framed document that is at least 11 inches by 14 inches.” The law also adds that “the text of the Ten Commandments must be the centerpiece of a poster or framed document and must be printed in a large, easy-to-read font.”
“We believe this is a step in the right direction to restore morals and values to current and future generations of Louisiana.” Landry said.Said in X's postThe bill was signed into law earlier that month.
However, the bill stalled after several civil rights groups filed a lawsuit seeking to block enforcement of the law. A federal judge temporarily blocked the law in November as the case worked its way through the court system.
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill (Republican)pointed out in the statement regarding XIt said it would publish guidance on the law in light of ongoing litigation.stated in another statementIt then said, “The injunction is not binding on schools that are not parties to the lawsuit.”
“We therefore look forward to working with the remaining schools to ensure they comply with the law,” she added.
California Voter ID Rules
California passed a bill this summer that would prohibit local governments from requiring voters to show identification at the polls.
“A local government shall not comply with any charter provision, ordinance, or regulation requiring the presentation of identification for the purpose of voting or submitting a ballot at a polling place, vote center, or other location where a ballot is cast or submitted. shall not be enacted or enforced unless required by state or federal law.”According to the text of the billwhich was introduced by California State Senator and Congressman-elect Dave Ming (Democratic).
The measure was passed after voters in Huntington Beach voted earlier this year.passed a charter amendment billThis would allow cities to require voter identification at elections. The move comes amid a broader fight between the two parties over what voters should have in the ballot box.
The measure, which goes into effect in 2026, provides more in-person voting locations and allows for surveillance of ballot drop boxes.
Law firm Perkins Coiepointed out in a blog postThere was some ambiguity as to whetherCalifornia law that already existsThe law states that it is illegal to mount “massive, indiscriminate and groundless challenges to voters for the sole purpose of preventing voters from voting or delaying the voting process.” applicable to local governments. Min told CalMatters in April that his legislation:Aims to correct confusion about state laws.
California officials sued Huntington Beach to block enforcement of the charter amendment, but a district court rejected the lawsuit. California Attorney General Rob Bonta (Democrat) and California Secretary of State Shirley Weber (Democrat)vowed to appeal.
NH gender reassignment surgery for minors
The Granite State will ban gender reassignment surgeries for minors starting Wednesday.
According to the bill's text, “In New Hampshire, a physician shall not perform genital sex reassignment surgery on a minor.”
However, the law does not affect “reconstructive surgery of the genitals of a minor to correct a deformity, malignancy, injury, or physical disease.” “removal of malignant, malformed, or otherwise damaged reproductive organs”; “genital surgery on minors with disorders of sexual development” or “male circumcision”;according to law.
Physicians may also be subject to disciplinary action if they make any referrals for gender-affirming procedures.
“This bill is focused on protecting the health and safety of New Hampshire’s children and has bipartisan support,” said Gov. Chris Sununu (R).He said in a statement after signing the bill in July.“There's a reason countries around the world, from Sweden to Norway to France to the United Kingdom, have taken steps to suspend these procedures and policies. Even the Biden administration, citing the American Academy of Pediatrics, I am against surgery on these young people.”
This is a procedure for minors,reported as rarethe issue of transgender women playing in women's sports and gender affirmation procedures for transgender individuals has sparked controversy in recent years.
The Biden administration also announced in July that it opposes gender reassignment surgery on minors, sparking backlash over the issue.
Texas Vehicle Safety Test
non-commercial vehicles in texasNo need to pass safety inspection testannually according to the law that comes into force from Wednesday.
stateTexans Still Required to Pay Safety Inspection Fees$7.50 each year (or $16.75 for drivers registering their vehicle for the first time for two years). The name of the charge will be changed to Inspection Program Replacement Charge.
Emissions testing will continue to be required in some counties.
“I believe Texans are responsible, independent, and will keep their cars and trucks safe while on the road,” said state Rep. Cody Harris (R), the bill's author. Ta.said in a statement to ABC13 in 2023.
However, some law enforcement agencies and other organizations, such as the Texas State Inspection Association,I don't agree with the new law, butThat could make driving more erratic, they say.
Gun breaks into employer's premises in New Hampshire
New Hampshire employees would be allowed to possess firearms on their employer's property as long as they are properly locked and stored in a vehicle, according to a bill scheduled to go into effect Wednesday.
“The employer or the employer's representative shall not permit any employee who may lawfully possess a firearm to enter or leave the employer's premises or while a vehicle is parked on the employer's premises. Do not prohibit employees from storing firearms or ammunition in their vehicles. Vehicles are locked and firearms and ammunition are not visible.”The text of the bill says:.
“An employer or an agent of an employer is prohibited from requiring an employee to disclose whether the employee stores a firearm or ammunition in the employee's vehicle, and the employee's vehicle “No search for firearms or ammunition may be made within the premises except by law enforcement officers pursuant to a warrant or pursuant to an authorized exception to the warrant requirement,'' the text adds.
At the same time, the law also provides that employers are not responsible for anything that happens to a firearm, including if the firearm is stolen.
