A new year means new legislation will take effect.
Here's a look at some of the most impactful new laws that residents throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware will see take effect in 2026.
The CROWN Act
Starting in the new year, Pennsylvania residents will be protected from being discriminated against due to their hairstyle thanks to House Bill 439 -- or, Pennsylvania's version of The CROWN Act.
This new legislation, that Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro signed at a ceremony at a West Philly hair salon in November, is intended to address an issue that, he said, disproportionately impacts Black Pennsylvanians who wear their hair in "protected styles like locks, natural braids or twists."
The bill was set to take effect 60 days after it was signed, meaning the law will be enforced beginning on Jan. 27, 2026.
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Notifications when weapons found in schools
A new bill -- Senate Bill 246 -- will see legislation put in place that will require any "school entity" in the state -- including public, nonpublic and private schools -- to be required to alert parents, guardians and school employees anytime a weapon is found on a school's property.
The legislation requires schools to notify parents, guardians and school workers within 24 hours of any such incident.
This legislation was signed into law in November and is set to take effect upon 60 days from the signing, which would be Jan. 6, 2026.
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