Laws that are designed to protect individual adults from harming themselves can be called "nanny state" laws. (Adult seatbelt laws, suicide laws, have to have health insurance laws, etc.)

Laws that are designed for the benefit of society or people unable to fend for themselves are just good governance (free healthcare, free education, living wage, worker's rights, etc.)

Laws that are designed for the benefit of the few are bad governance. (Tax cuts, corporate welfare, anti-union, etc.)