We pass many laws in the state Legislature during session; however, some enacted laws have delayed effective dates. Please see below for the new laws that take effect this month.
| New Laws Taking Effect – March 2026 | ||
| Effective Date | Chapter | Summary |
| 3/5/2026 | Ch. 606 of 2025 | Provides that students who receive a high school diploma from an online high school program within the United States that is accredited with the Job Corps Policy and Requirements Handbook will be eligible for admission to colleges and financial aid. |
| 3/5/2026 | Ch. 613 of 2025 | Permits bars and restaurants to purchase wine and liquor from retail stores. |
| 3/12/2026 | Ch. 629 of 2025
Ch. 13 of 2026 |
Prohibits the use of infant walkers in child care facilities. |
| 3/12/2026 | Ch. 634 of 2025
Ch. 21 of 2026 |
Prohibits deceptive or unfair real estate services agreements. |
| 3/18/2026 | Ch. 641 of 2025
Ch. 61 of 2026 |
Enacts the Lieutenant Joseph Banish Mental Health Act, which establishes a law enforcement peer support program and provides for confidentiality for communications, with exceptions for required disclosure concerning child abuse, extreme risk protection orders, or as required by other court orders.
|
| 3/19/2026 | Ch. 666 of 2025
Ch. 68 of 2026 |
Requires the Department of Veterans’ Services to provide information about volunteer opportunities with volunteer fire departments and emergency services providers.
|
| 3/19/2026 | Ch. 675 of 2025
Ch. 29 of 2026 |
Requires institutions housing a defendant due to mental disease or defect to assign a critical time intervention care management team and make a single point of access referral for the defendant prior to their discharge.
|
| 3/19/2026 | Ch. 707 of 2025
Ch. 36 of 2026 |
Establishes the Terry Cooper Autopsy Accountability Act requiring autopsy reports to include all photographs of the body, microscopic slides, and post-mortem X-rays.
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| 3/21/2026 | Ch. 534 of 2025 | Clarifies time limits and procedures for appeals and the filing of objections regarding child support, paternity and parentage proceedings in family court cases. |
| 3/21/2026 | Ch. 548 of 2025 | Prohibits food stores and retail establishments from refusing to accept payment in cash. |
| 3/27/2026 | Ch. 361 of 2024 | Requires the commissioner of education to establish uniform statewide protocols for diapering and toileting of students in public schools. |
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