NEW LAWS SET TO TAKE EFFECT 2010
MADISON, Wis.- Texting while driving, smoking in public and cooking with artery-clogging trans fats will be that much harder under a bevy of state laws set to take effect Friday.
Faced with huge budget shortfalls and little extra money to throw around, state lawmakers exercised their (inexpensive) power to clamp down on impolite, unhealthy and sometimes dangerous behaviors in 2009.
Even toy guns were targeted.
Among the most surprising new laws set to take effect in 2010 is a smoking ban for bars and restaurants in North Carolina, the country's largest tobacco producer that has a history steeped in tradition around the golden leaf.
Starting Saturday _ stragglers get a one-day reprieve to puff away after their New Year's Day meals _ smokers will no longer be allowed to light up in North Carolina bars and restaurants. There are exceptions for country clubs, Elks lodges and the like, but the change is a dramatic one for North Carolina, whose tax coffers long depended on Big Tobacco.
Virginia approved a similar law that took effect Dec. 1, but it's more accommodating to smokers because it allows establishments to offer areas in which to light up as long as they have separate ventilating systems.
Not including Virginia and its partial ban, smoking will be banned in restaurants in 29 states and in bars in 25, according to the American Lung Association.
And 12 more states _ including Florida, Michigan and Arkansas _ have passed laws requiring manufacturers to make their cigarettes less likely to start fires, leaving Wyoming as the only state without such laws, according to the Coalition for Fire-Safe Cigarettes.
America's roads should be safer in 2010, as bans on texting while driving go into effect in New Hampshire, Oregon and Illinois. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, that will make 19 states that have outlawed the practice, not including six states that prohibit using hand-held cell phones while behind the wheel.
"This legislation is important and will make our roads safer. No driver has any business text messaging while they are driving," said Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White, whose office regulates drivers.
Tina Derby, 42, of Warner, N.H., said she has no intention to stop texting while driving, despite the possible $100 fine she could receive.
"I'd better start saving my money," Derby said.
A new Arkansas law prohibits retailers from selling toy guns that look like they real thing. But it may not have that big of an effect.
Imitation guns used for theater productions and other events are exempted, as are replicas of firearms produced before 1898, BB guns, paintball or pellet guns.
Major retailers in the state also say they don't expect any major changes from the new ban. Bentonville-based Wal-Mart Stores Inc. says it already follows similar federal restrictions prohibiting the sale of realistic-looking toy guns.
California will be the first state to partially ban the use of artificial trans fats in restaurants in 2010, following several major cities and fast-food chains that have erased the notorious artery-clogger from menus.
Starting Friday, the state's restaurants, bakeries and other retail food establishments will no longer be allowed to use products with trans fats in spreads or for frying. Restaurants will still be allowed to use trans fats to deep-fry yeast dough and in cake batter until Jan. 1, 2011.
And a new anti-paparazzi law is set to take effect Friday in the state with the movie star governor that will make it easier for celebrities to sue media outlets claiming invasion of privacy.
Fans of dog races will have to find another form of entertainment in Massachusetts, as the 75-year-old tradition has been outlawed starting Friday.
In New Hampshire, a new gay marriage law will replace a law that allowscivil unionpshire, a new gay marriage law will replace a law that allows civil unions, which already provided gay couples with all the rights and responsibilities of marriage.
Starting Friday, a gay couple in a civil union can get a marriage license and have a new ceremony, if they choose. They also can convert their civil union into marriage without going through another ceremony. Couples who do nothing will have their civil unions automatically converted to marriages in 2011. Conservatives are seeking to repeal the law.
In Wisconsin, both same-sex and unwed opposite-sex domestic partners who work for the state and University of Wisconsin can sign up to receive health insurance benefits. A law that allowed same-sex partners to sign a registry to receive other benefits similar to what married couples get took effect in August.
Some other laws set to take effect:
_ Teenagers going to a tanning bed in Texas will have to be accompanied by an adult.
_ Oregon employers are prohibited from restricting employees from wearing religious clothing on the job, taking time off for holy days or participating in a religious observance or practice.
_ The sale of "novelty" lighters _ devices designed to look like cartoon characters, toys or guns or that play musical notes or have flashing lights _ are banned in Nevada and Louisiana.
"They're cute, they're little, but they can be deadly," said the Nevada bill's co-sponsor, Assembly Majority Floor Leader John Oceguera, D-Las Vegas.
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Faced with huge budget shortfalls and little extra money to throw around, state lawmakers exercised their (inexpensive) power to clamp down on impolite, unhealthy and sometimes dangerous behaviors in 2009.
Even toy guns were targeted.
Among the most surprising new laws set to take effect in 2010 is a smoking ban for bars and restaurants in North Carolina, the country's largest tobacco producer that has a history steeped in tradition around the golden leaf.
Starting Saturday _ stragglers get a one-day reprieve to puff away after their New Year's Day meals _ smokers will no longer be allowed to light up in North Carolina bars and restaurants. There are exceptions for country clubs, Elks lodges and the like, but the change is a dramatic one for North Carolina, whose tax coffers long depended on Big Tobacco.
Virginia approved a similar law that took effect Dec. 1, but it's more accommodating to smokers because it allows establishments to offer areas in which to light up as long as they have separate ventilating systems.
Not including Virginia and its partial ban, smoking will be banned in restaurants in 29 states and in bars in 25, according to the American Lung Association.
And 12 more states _ including Florida, Michigan and Arkansas _ have passed laws requiring manufacturers to make their cigarettes less likely to start fires, leaving Wyoming as the only state without such laws, according to the Coalition for Fire-Safe Cigarettes.
America's roads should be safer in 2010, as bans on texting while driving go into effect in New Hampshire, Oregon and Illinois. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, that will make 19 states that have outlawed the practice, not including six states that prohibit using hand-held cell phones while behind the wheel.
"This legislation is important and will make our roads safer. No driver has any business text messaging while they are driving," said Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White, whose office regulates drivers.
Tina Derby, 42, of Warner, N.H., said she has no intention to stop texting while driving, despite the possible $100 fine she could receive.
"I'd better start saving my money," Derby said.
A new Arkansas law prohibits retailers from selling toy guns that look like they real thing. But it may not have that big of an effect.
Imitation guns used for theater productions and other events are exempted, as are replicas of firearms produced before 1898, BB guns, paintball or pellet guns.
Major retailers in the state also say they don't expect any major changes from the new ban. Bentonville-based Wal-Mart Stores Inc. says it already follows similar federal restrictions prohibiting the sale of realistic-looking toy guns.
California will be the first state to partially ban the use of artificial trans fats in restaurants in 2010, following several major cities and fast-food chains that have erased the notorious artery-clogger from menus.
Starting Friday, the state's restaurants, bakeries and other retail food establishments will no longer be allowed to use products with trans fats in spreads or for frying. Restaurants will still be allowed to use trans fats to deep-fry yeast dough and in cake batter until Jan. 1, 2011.
And a new anti-paparazzi law is set to take effect Friday in the state with the movie star governor that will make it easier for celebrities to sue media outlets claiming invasion of privacy.
Fans of dog races will have to find another form of entertainment in Massachusetts, as the 75-year-old tradition has been outlawed starting Friday.
In New Hampshire, a new gay marriage law will replace a law that allowscivil unionpshire, a new gay marriage law will replace a law that allows civil unions, which already provided gay couples with all the rights and responsibilities of marriage.
Starting Friday, a gay couple in a civil union can get a marriage license and have a new ceremony, if they choose. They also can convert their civil union into marriage without going through another ceremony. Couples who do nothing will have their civil unions automatically converted to marriages in 2011. Conservatives are seeking to repeal the law.
In Wisconsin, both same-sex and unwed opposite-sex domestic partners who work for the state and University of Wisconsin can sign up to receive health insurance benefits. A law that allowed same-sex partners to sign a registry to receive other benefits similar to what married couples get took effect in August.
Some other laws set to take effect:
_ Teenagers going to a tanning bed in Texas will have to be accompanied by an adult.
_ Oregon employers are prohibited from restricting employees from wearing religious clothing on the job, taking time off for holy days or participating in a religious observance or practice.
_ The sale of "novelty" lighters _ devices designed to look like cartoon characters, toys or guns or that play musical notes or have flashing lights _ are banned in Nevada and Louisiana.
"They're cute, they're little, but they can be deadly," said the Nevada bill's co-sponsor, Assembly Majority Floor Leader John Oceguera, D-Las Vegas.
___
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Another blue state.[V] 0 -
All state laws. 0 -
thats total BS but wouldnt an easy way to get around it be for the bars to become clubs? 10 bucks to join and your first x amount of drinks are free. just more BS to go through b ut mjight that work? 0 -
I just got a lighter that looks like a shotgun. Wonder what its black market value will be.[:o)] 0 -
When will it ever end? Lawmakers need to just go home. We already have more laws than the founding fathers ever intended on having. 0 -
what kind of idiot smokes in bars anyway???
must be drinking cheap booze so there is no flavor for the smoke to ruin [;)]
oh...and if pot is illegal, tobacco should be too...or the other way around *stir, stir*0 -
Like I said before, you guys are looking more like California every day.[:0]
our list-
LOS FELIZ, Calif. (KABC) -- California will begin the new year with a number of new laws cracking down on mortgage lenders, paparazzi, and DUI offenders.
California is boosting protections for home buyers and punishing brokers who mislead borrowers and steer them into costly loans.
Statutes requiring individual loan officers to register with the state, making it a crime to give inaccurate information during the mortgage-application process and ensuring that banks inform potential borrowers of all their loan products are among hundreds of California laws that take effect Friday.
A number of other laws will affect California drivers. Assembly Bill 62 permits TV or video monitors in the front seat as long as the driver can't see the screen while driving.
The "Move Over, Slow Down' law, which had sections set to expire at the end of 2009, has been extended indefinitely. It requires drivers approaching emergency vehicles on roads and freeways to get out of the way by slowing down and changing lanes. It also adds stationary vehicles to the rule, such as Caltrans vehicles that display flashing amber warning lights.
Two laws regarding DUI offenders will also go into effect. The "Ignition Interlock Device" law establishes a pilot program in several counties, including Los Angeles, requiring the installation of ignition interlock devices on vehicles owned or operated by an individual convicted of any DUI offense. The device prevents vehicles from starting if alcohol is detected on the driver's breath. Another bill will give repeat DUI offenders the opportunity to apply for a restricted driver's license if they install such devices.
Another new law many in the Los Angeles area will be happy with makes it easier for celebrities to sue the media for invasion of privacy. Paparazzi are a familiar sight in trendy restaurants and clubs. They have been known to cross the line -- running red lights and even blocking traffic to get a shot of a popular celebrity. A new law allows for civil penalties of up to $50,000 against paparazzi and media outlets that sell and buy photos and videos that were improperly obtained. It came about after Jennifer Aniston told lawmakers that 30 photographers charged her on the sidewalk and she was constantly being followed.
Here are some of the other laws that take effect with the new year:
GAY RIGHTS - Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger reversed himself this year by signing into law a bill honoring slain gay rights activist Harvey Milk with a special day of recognition in California. Milk is just the second person in state history to gain such a designation, behind conservationist John Muir. Each May 22 - Milk's birthday - will be "Harvey Milk Day." The Republican governor vetoed similar legislation in 2008.
TRANS-FAT BAN - California becomes the first state in the country to ban restaurants, bakeries and other retail food establishments from using oil, margarine and shortening containing trans fats. Schwarzenegger, a former bodybuilder who regularly talks about healthy eating and exercise, signed the legislation by Assemblyman Tony Mendoza, D-Artesia, in 2008. It did not take effect until 2010 to give outlets time to convert their cooking processes. The law affects oil, shortening and margarine used in spreads or for frying. Restaurants can continue using trans fats to deep-fry yeast dough and in cake batter until Jan. 1, 2011. The legislation follows moves by several major cities and fast-food chains to ban the substance.
LEAD-FREE FAUCETS - The maximum amount of lead allowed in faucets and replacement plumbing fixtures will drop dramatically, from the current 8 percent of total material to 0.25 percent. The standard applies to pipes, pipe fittings, plumbing fittings and fixtures that become wet.
CAR LIENS - California car buyers will get more protection under a law by Sen. Elaine Corbett, D-San Leandro. It requires dealers to prove they have paid off vehicle liens before trading or selling them. The bill was in response to a growing problem nationwide triggered by the recession: Dealers often promise to pay off outstanding loans when car buyers still owe money on their trade-in vehicle. But if the dealer goes out of business without paying off the loan, lenders can go after the previous owner or repossess the resold car from the new owner.
DOG FIGHTING - Watching an illegal dogfight in California could cost spectators more jail time. The new law by Assemblyman Pedro Nava, D-Santa Barbara, increases jail time from a maximum of six months to one year. Fines are increased from $1,000 to $5,000.
BLUEBERRY COMMISSION - Assemblywoman Fiona Ma, D-San Francisco, is author of a new law that establishes a commission to promote California's growing blueberry industry. The commission's $1.2 million annual budget will come from a surcharge on blueberries. Schwarzenegger over the summer chastised lawmakers for promoting a new commission while the state was mired in a budget deficit, but the governor later reversed himself and signed the bill.
COWS TAILS - California becomes the first state banning the painful practice of tail docking. Dairy officials say the practice of cutting off cow tails to prevent them from slinging manure is practiced on fewer than 15 percent of the state's 1.5 million dairy cows. Schwarzenegger initially mocked lawmakers for seeking the law, but the governor signed it after lawmakers agreed to resolve the state's budget shortfall.0 -
quote:Originally posted by joshmb1982
thats total BS but wouldnt an easy way to get around it be for the bars to become clubs? 10 bucks to join and your first x amount of drinks are free. just more BS to go through b ut mjight that work?
thats sort of the way it is in mass, where public establishment have been smoke free for years.
private clubs(elks, masonic motorcycle etc) that are members only can still be smoked in but if its open to the public its smoke free.
for several years ive had the idea of buying a bar and making it members only then selling memberships for $1/year. have a little membership key tag or something like at the gym and in you go. memberships could be bought year round. probably make decent money at it, but thats assuming theres still enough smokers in any one area to make a go of it. judging by the crowds in the smoking areas at the bars i go to it might work but also has the potential to be a resounding failure if the anti smokers boycott the place and drag all their smoking sig others/friends with them. could end up being a costly experiment...0 -
The nanny state is alive and well. 0 -
Notice this comes from one of only two states in the country that completely ban handgun carry by it's citizens.
Shocking.0 -
Another fine illustration of the simple truism....'Collectivism inevitably leads to totalitarianism'.
It would pay everyone to study what exactly collectivism is, how it manifests in society and in government and that it is not based on left or right, conservative or liberal, Democrat or Republican......
Collectivism is an ethic & a philosophy, one that is the antithesis of our founding principles and one which has destroyed our Constitutional Republic.
It is the ethical and philosophical divide of the western world. It is the true battleground and the only area of necessary focus in our struggle to restore the Republic.
Learn to identify what it is, oppose it at every turn, educate others in like manner and be absolutely confrontational and vocal about what it is that you are doing and why you are doing so.
Collectivism ensures that all things that are based on individual liberty and free choice, are eventually criminalized, regulated, controlled or otherwise prohibited.
Collectivism leads inevitably to totalitarianism.
All you have to do is learn....and look around.0 -
"COWS TAILS - California becomes the first state banning the painful practice of tail docking. Dairy officials say the practice of cutting off cow tails to prevent them from slinging manure is practiced on fewer than 15 percent of the state's 1.5 million dairy cows."
Thought about docking cow tails everything I got hit on the ear by a froze up urine and feces packed tail. Dang thing hurts! [V]
I wonder how many of those modern dairy farmers could hand strip an infected quarter. Or for that matter, even milk a cow by hand.
(it's been about 50 years for me, and I doubt I've got the strength in my hands that I had at 10 years of age)
Allen0 -
quote:Originally posted by joshmb1982
thats total BS but wouldnt an easy way to get around it be for the bars to become clubs? 10 bucks to join and your first x amount of drinks are free. just more BS to go through b ut mjight that work?
I know of a few places in Delaware that did just that.0 -
oh excitement...be on the watch out for the "FAT" police....best chance of sightings may occur around donut shops....snickers...oops...did it again 0 -
quote:Originally posted by FrancF Schwarzenegger initially mocked lawmakers for seeking the law, but the governor signed it after lawmakers agreed to resolve the state's budget shortfall.
And this is the problem and reality of politics.
One legislator will pass a law they believe is stupid/bad as part of a corrupt bargain, to get another legislator to pass something else.
And I use the term "corrupt bargain", to refer back to an earlier era in American Politics, that bears a lot of similarity to the 2008 presidential primaries, with Hillary bowing out of the presidential race and becoming secretary of state.
Similar to the Presidential Election of 1824 - when Clay gave his Electoral votes to Adams, and became Adams Secretary of state - the only difference here is that in 1824, they waited until the official election to make the bargain, whereas Obama and Hillary made the bargain after the "primary" elections, and not the "presidential" election.0
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