The start of the new year brings new laws in the U.S., including restrictions on minors using social media and a minimum wage increase for many workers. Nine million Americans will see a wage increase starting January 1st, with one in five of those receiving a raise being below the poverty line. The federal minimum wage remains unchanged since 2009. Social media restrictions for minors will vary by state, with enforcement challenges due to jurisdictional issues and the global nature of platforms. Some states will require age verification, while others may only need a checkbox confirmation. Cooperation between parents, platforms, and the government is essential for enforcement, though it remains imperfect. Additionally, new hands-free driving laws in states like Colorado and Missouri will make it illegal to hold a phone while driving, aiming to reduce crashes and fatalities. These laws are most effective when aggressively enforced, meaning officers actively pull over violators. However, as secondary offenses, they require another reason for a traffic stop, potentially limiting their effectiveness.