AB2602 makes it illegal to use artificial intelligence to replicate an actor's voice or image without their consent or authorization. This law protects both living and deceased actors, with the latter requiring permission from their family. It safeguards Hollywood actors, voice actors, and performers by preventing unauthorized use of their likeness, ensuring that AI cannot replace real actors in the entertainment industry.
New laws require that at least 15% of a child influencer's earnings be placed into a trust fund, which they can access upon reaching adulthood. This protects minors from having their earnings entirely controlled or spent by their parents, addressing past issues where child stars lost their earnings due to parental mismanagement.
The Coogan Act, named after child actor Jackie Coogan, was established in 1939 to protect the earnings of child performers. It mandates that a portion of a child actor's income be placed into a trust fund, ensuring they have access to their earnings when they reach adulthood. This law was created after Coogan's parents spent his entire fortune, leaving him with nothing.
Florida has enacted a law prohibiting children under 14 from having social media accounts. For 14- and 15-year-olds, parental consent is required to open an account. This law aims to protect minors from the negative effects of social media, such as mental health issues and exposure to inappropriate content.
California has introduced a law allowing individuals to sue if their likeness is used in AI-generated political ads without their consent. This law targets deceptive content in political campaigns, ensuring that false images or videos created using AI can be legally challenged.
Delaware has passed a law requiring state employee health insurance plans to cover abortion procedures without any out-of-pocket costs. This ensures that state employees have access to abortion services as part of their healthcare benefits.
Proposition 36, passed in California, increases penalties for retail theft, including shoplifting and smash-and-grab crimes. It allows law enforcement to arrest suspects based on reasonable suspicion, even without witnessing the crime. Additionally, it closes a legal loophole by making it a crime to steal from a vehicle, regardless of whether the car was locked.
In 2025, Washington State, California, and Connecticut will have the highest minimum wages in the U.S., all exceeding $16 per hour. California's minimum wage is set at $16.50, while Washington State's is $16.66.
AB413, or the Daylighting Law, prohibits parking within 20 feet of a crosswalk or pedestrian path. This law aims to improve visibility for drivers and pedestrians, reducing the risk of accidents caused by obstructed views from parked vehicles.
In Missouri, texting while driving results in a three-step penalty system: a warning and fine for the first offense, a higher fine for the second offense, and up to 15 years in prison if the behavior leads to a fatal accident. This law emphasizes the dangers of distracted driving and imposes severe consequences for violations.