Bizarre State Laws That “Out-Woke” California

California’s reputation as the beacon of progressive legislation is practically a punchline in national politics. But the Golden State’s “woke” label doesn’t mean it holds a monopoly on unusual or ultra-progressive laws. In fact, a cross-country journey through America’s legal codes reveals a surprising number of state statutes that would leave even the most policy-hardened Californians blinking in disbelief.

Let’s start in Oregon, where a 2023 law made headlines for mandating that all public schools stock gender-neutral menstrual products in boys’ bathrooms, regardless of the grade level. The measure’s supporters say it’s about inclusivity for transgender and non-binary students. Critics, meanwhile, have questioned the practicality—and the cost—of providing tampons in elementary school boys’ restrooms. In any case, it’s hard to argue that California’s recent bathroom laws look especially radical by comparison.

Head north to Washington, and you’ll find a state where local governments have adopted “no questions asked” policies for public encampments. In some cities, it’s illegal for police to clear homeless camps without offering shelter beds, but the law doesn’t require people to accept those beds. Some say it’s an enlightened approach to personal autonomy; others worry it’s handcuffed local officials.

Vermont, known for its progressive streak, has gone a step further in animal rights. In 2022, the state passed a law requiring restaurants to provide vegan menu options at all public events, from county fairs to school bake sales. Non-compliance can result in a hefty fine. For context, even cities like San Francisco only “encourage” vegan options in schools—Vermont’s mandate is the law.

Illinois, meanwhile, made waves with a statute that prohibits employers from asking job applicants about their previous salaries, but then extended the logic to ban questions about prior criminal convictions in most circumstances—even for jobs involving children or sensitive information. Some legal analysts say the law’s wording is so broad that it could prevent schools from asking about child abuse convictions during hiring.

New York’s “Right to Be Forgotten” law, proposed in 2024, is perhaps the most ambitious data privacy bill in the country. It gives residents the power to demand the removal of negative online information about them—even if it’s accurate and a matter of public record. Free speech advocates are still challenging the measure in court, arguing it’s a step too far.

Minnesota recently passed a law requiring all state-funded construction projects to include “quiet rooms”—soundproofed spaces where workers can meditate, pray, or decompress. The law’s intent is to promote wellness and religious freedom, but contractors have complained about delays and extra costs. Not even the most forward-thinking Silicon Valley offices are required by law to provide this level of accommodation.

Then there’s New Jersey, which in 2025 became the first state to mandate “period equity” training for all public school teachers and staff. The law requires annual instruction on the menstrual cycle, gender identity, and “period stigma,” regardless of grade level or subject taught. Supporters say it’s about breaking taboos; detractors call it an overreach into the classroom.

Even the Deep South has its outliers. In 2022, Georgia quietly passed a law requiring all new government buildings to have gender-neutral bathrooms. The law was tucked into an unrelated infrastructure bill and caught many lawmakers off guard. While California cities have led the way on gender-neutral facilities, Georgia’s statewide approach is arguably more sweeping.

Hawaii, in its perennial quest for inclusivity, now requires all state-issued forms and documents to provide at least six gender identity options, including “māhū,” a Native Hawaiian identity. The law has prompted other states to consider their own approaches to gender on official paperwork, but none have matched Hawaii’s specificity.

Massachusetts recently enacted a law prohibiting public schools from using team names or mascots deemed culturally insensitive by a single member of the public. The review process is triggered by a single complaint, and dozens of schools have already changed their mascots as a result.

State lawmakers often point to California’s laws as the outer edge of the progressive spectrum. But as these examples show, there’s no shortage of states willing to “out-woke” California in the name of equity, inclusion, or simply keeping up with the neighbors. Whether these laws represent progress or overreach is, of course, a matter of perspective. But one thing is clear: California’s grip on the “woke” crown is not as secure as it once seemed.