A look at new laws going into effect in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware in 2025

The new year has brought a variety of new laws into effect across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware, impacting several areas, from wages to healthcare. Noteworthy changes include an increase in the minimum wage, with implementations varying by state.

In Pennsylvania, significant healthcare reforms have been introduced, requiring health insurance plans, including Medicaid, to cover biomarker testing for cancer. Additionally, new Medicaid regulations will allow doulas to receive reimbursement for their services, enhancing support for families during childbirth. Safe haven laws have also been expanded, allowing urgent care centers to accept newborn surrenders, thereby providing more options for parents in crisis.

Another important change is the eligibility for workers' compensation for first responders who develop PTSD as a result of their service. This recognition of mental health in high-stress professions reflects a growing understanding of the challenges faced by emergency personnel.

The state's lawmakers, including Governor Josh Shapiro, are set to receive a pay increase starting in 2025. Meanwhile, the Freedom to Read Act has been enacted to prohibit "arbitrary" book bans, promoting access to literature and educational resources for all.

Delaware also sees changes with an increase in minimum wage and a new bill expanding access to abortion services. Health care providers in the state are now required to offer patients the opportunity to create personalized postpartum care plans, ensuring better support during the critical recovery period after childbirth.