"New Wave of Contentious U.S. Legislation Comes into Force Today"

A variety of new laws came into effect across the United States, addressing issues such as gun control, minimum wage increases, public safety, healthcare, and education. Notable changes include stricter gun regulations in several states, higher minimum wages in 22 states and various localities, new public safety measures including police conduct in traffic stops, healthcare provisions protecting out-of-state abortion pill shipments and allowing over-the-counter hormonal contraceptives, and educational mandates like the teaching of Asian American history and cursive writing. Additionally, controversial laws in Texas ban diversity programs at public colleges, and various consumer protection laws have been implemented, such as gender-neutral toy sections in California.