New laws, plainly
What Passed
The new laws that matter most to Jackson, explained so a seventh grader could follow them: what each does, why it happened, what it costs, and what changes for you.
11 laws explained so far, with more on the way. Each entry is built from the bill's summary and history, the Legislature's cost estimate when the Wire can find one, and news reports; the reporting note at the end of each entry says what was and was not read.
3 laws in Courts and families. Show everything
In effect now
SB 2710 · In effect since July 1, 2026
Teens who carry a gun during a violent crime now go straight to adult court
A teenager who has a gun during a violent crime is charged as an adult, and adults who put stolen guns in kids’ hands face long prison terms.
HB 1662 · In effect since July 1, 2026
Divorcing parents now start at a 50-50 custody split
In new custody cases, judges begin by presuming both parents get equal time and an equal say, and a parent who wants more must prove why.
SB 2369 · In effect since July 1, 2026
Win $2,000 at a casino while owing child support, and the state takes what you owe
Casinos must check big winners against a state list of parents behind on child support and send the money they owe to the state before paying them.
How this section is made
The Wire reads the bill's summary and history, the Legislature's cost estimate when it can find one, the votes, and the reporting around it, then writes the result in plain words. We say what the law does, who wanted it and who fought it, what it costs and who pays, and what changes for an ordinary household. Where the Wire adds its own reading, the sentence begins “The Wire's read:” Spot an error? Write to capitolmain42@gmail.com.