July 1 is when a large share of new US state laws take effect — it's the start of the fiscal year in most states. Below are the notable July 1, 2026 changes in the categories LawLert tracks, each linked to its official source and to LawLert's live, dated page for that state so you can see the current rule.
Firearms
Virginia — SB 749 (UPDATE: blocked by courts). SB 749 — banning the sale, purchase, manufacture, import and transfer of "assault firearms" and magazines over 15 rounds, with firearms lawfully owned before July 1, 2026 grandfathered — was slated to take effect July 1, 2026. It did not take effect as planned: Virginia circuit courts issued statewide preliminary injunctions before the effective date (Lancaster County, June 25, in Crump v. Katz, and Washington County, June 29), blocking enforcement while the cases proceed. The Attorney General has said the Commonwealth is seeking a stay and appealing, so this status can change quickly — check the live page below for the current, dated rule. Sources: Virginia Attorney General — statement on Crump v. Katz · Virginia LIS — SB 749. See LawLert's Virginia firearms page.
California. California adds new restrictions on certain semi-automatic pistols effective July 1, 2026, as part of a batch of new state laws. Check the current, sourced detail on LawLert's California firearms page.
Alcohol
Illinois — SB 618. Effective July 1, 2026, Illinois makes cocktails-to-go permanent: bars and restaurants can sell mixed drinks for delivery and curbside pickup. The law also creates a craft distiller license. Source: Capitol News Illinois. See LawLert's Illinois alcohol page.
Gas taxes
Several states adjust motor-fuel taxes on July 1. Missouri's gas tax rises 2.5 cents per gallon — the final step of the phase-in enacted in 2021 — and Virginia's rises to about 30.8 cents per gallon under its annual index. Source: NCSL. See LawLert's tax pages for Missouri and Virginia.
Check what changed where you are
These are only the headline changes — dozens of other laws take effect July 1 across all 50 states. LawLert keeps a dated, officially-sourced summary for every state: browse your state's laws, or turn on alerts in the app so you're notified the moment a rule you track changes. Get the free app.
FAQ
What new firearms laws take effect July 1, 2026?
Virginia's SB 749 — a ban on the sale, purchase, manufacture, import and transfer of "assault firearms" and magazines over 15 rounds — was slated for July 1, 2026, but Virginia circuit courts issued statewide preliminary injunctions in late June 2026 blocking enforcement before the effective date; the Attorney General is appealing, so the status can change quickly. California's new restrictions on certain semi-automatic pistols take effect July 1, 2026. Check LawLert's live Virginia and California firearms pages for the current, dated status.
Is cocktails-to-go permanent in Illinois?
Yes. Illinois SB 618 makes cocktails-to-go permanent effective July 1, 2026, letting bars and restaurants sell mixed drinks for delivery and curbside pickup, and it adds a craft distiller license.
Which states raise gas taxes on July 1, 2026?
Several do. Missouri's motor-fuel tax rises 2.5 cents per gallon (the final step of its 2021 phase-in) and Virginia's rises to about 30.8 cents per gallon, both on July 1, 2026.
How do I check the current law in my state?
LawLert keeps a dated, officially-sourced summary for every US state. Open your state's page for the current rule, or turn on alerts so you're notified when a law you track changes.