Illinois moves to curb federal immigration enforcement
Illinois approved a sweeping new law restricting civil immigration arrests near courthouses and limiting what hospitals, colleges and child-care centers can share with federal authorities. It also creates a state cause of action allowing individuals to sue immigration officers for constitutional violations. (Washington Post)
Ohio ends debt-based driver’s license suspensions
Ohio enacted HB 29, ending the practice of suspending driver’s licenses for failure to pay fines and fees and requiring automatic reinstatement of licenses previously suspended for that reason. The law lifts nearly 430,000 suspensions affecting more than 170,000 people and marks a major milestone in the national “Free to Drive” reform movement. (Fines and Fees Justice Center)
Nevada passes sweeping crime and public safety package
North Carolina criminalizes political discrimination in disaster relief
New penalties that took effect Dec. 1, 2025, make it a felony to deny or condition disaster assistance based on political affiliation or signage. The law also increases penalties for looting following natural disasters. (WRAL News)
Texas authorizes private lawsuits over abortion pill distribution
A new Texas law that took effect on Dec. 4, 2025, allows residents to sue anyone who manufactures, prescribes or distributes abortion medication into the state with minimum damages set at $100,000 per violation. Patients themselves are exempt. (Houston Chronicle)
Utah reverses its public-sector bargaining ban
New York expands property tax relief for senior homeowners
A newly enacted law boosts the maximum property tax exemption for seniors from 50 percent to 65 percent of assessed home value, aimed at easing housing cost pressures in high-tax regions. (governor.ny.gov)
