Ban on hair discrimination, more body cameras: These new PA laws take effect soon
Harrisburg may have been historically unproductive this year, but several new state laws and regulations are set to affect Pennsylvanians heading into 2026.
The new rules will ban hair discrimination, remove Medicaid coverage for some weight loss drug recipients and expand access to body camera footage, among other changes. The Pennsylvania Legislature also sent several bills to the governor’s desk in mid-December that have yet to be signed, among them a ban on vape products that haven’t received federal approval.
Most of the changes take effect in late December or January and stem from laws passed quietly with bipartisan support, as well as cost-saving measures embedded in the recently adopted state budget.
Here’s a breakdown of some of Pennsylvania’s newest laws.
Veterans’ service will count toward teaching certificates
Veterans hoping to teach shop classes and at technical institutes will be allowed to count their service toward the credits necessary for Career and Technical Education certification. The changes, made in a law signed in October, will apply to veterans who served at least four years and were not dishonorably discharged.
The law, which passed both chambers of the legislature unanimously, is set to take effect Friday, Dec. 26.
Weight loss drugs will no longer be covered by Medicaid for some
Cost-cutting in the state budget signed in November will result in the loss of Medicaid coverage for GLP-1 drugs, like Ozempic, for many Pennsylvanians. People using the drugs for weight loss and obesity will no longer have their costs covered starting Thursday, Jan. 1, but people using them to treat diabetes and a host of other health conditions will continue to receive coverage.
Stricter codes for new construction
Pennsylvania will have updated building codes to be enforced by municipalities starting Jan. 1. The new codes, which expand where sprinklers are required, define escape rooms and update foundation load limits to reflect the capabilities of modern building materials, among many other changes, bring the commonwealth in line with national standards established in 2021 and only apply to new construction.
Municipalities will be able to trash abandoned boats
A state law signed in July allows municipalities, in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, to commandeer and dispose of abandoned boats after failed attempts at contacting the owner. Three instances of boat abandonment may result in misdemeanor charges. The law, which received minimal pushback in the legislature, is set to take effect Saturday, Jan. 3.
Firefighters will have a more streamlined exam process
Those hoping to become firefighters will no longer have to sit for a long examination at the end of their firefighter I course. Instead, would-be firefighters will be allowed to take smaller exams after each module of the course.
The law, signed in July after passing the House and Senate unanimously, is set to take effect Jan. 3.
Motorcyclists will be allowed to wear dual-ear headsets
Current Pennsylvania law only allows motorcyclists to wear one-ear headsets on the road. That is set to change Monday, Jan. 5, when a law that sailed through the legislature will allow motorcyclists to wear dual-ear headsets and helmets with built-in speakers.
The law was signed in November.
Schools must notify families about weapon incidents
A law signed in November will require schools to notify parents, guardians and school employees about incidents involving the possession of a weapon on school property. The law, which will take effect Jan. 5, requires schools to send notice within 24 hours of an incident. Previously, schools were only required to report to the Department of Education.
The law passed with only two no votes in the legislature.
Insurers must cover breast cancer exams
Starting Jan. 23, most insurers will be required to cover mammograms, breast cancer screenings and breast cancer examinations without passing costs onto the insured. Some health insurance plans will not be required to comply with the law, signed in November with minimal dissent, until July.
Body camera footage will be more accessible, and more officers can wear them
A law signed in November after unanimously clearing the legislature is set to make body camera footage subject to Pennsylvania’s Right-to-Know Law starting Friday, Jan. 23. The law also authorizes, but does not require, use of body cameras by Game Commission, Fish and Boat Commission and Department of Conservation and Natural Resources officers, as well as agents of the Office of Attorney General.
Hair discrimination will be outlawed
A law known as the CROWN Act is set to ban discrimination based on hair type, style or religious head covering, starting Saturday, Jan. 24. The law, which lingered in the legislature for five years before making it to the governor’s desk in November, includes exceptions for workplace safety.
This story was originally published December 18, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
