A look at new state laws
Among the new laws taking effect in states across the country July 1:
Health
New York City bans trans fats.
Energy
Nevada and Minnesota encourage conservation and alternative energy. North Dakota begins a temporary tax break to spur the drilling of more oil wells in an area called the Bakken geologic formation.
Sex offenders
Virginia requires convicted sex offenders to register their e-mail addresses with the state. Nevada forces certain sex offenders to live at least 1,000 feet away from schools and other places children gather. Connecticut creates a new crime for those who abuse a child under 13 that carries a 25-year prison sentence.
Children’s health
California bans soda sales on school campuses during school hours, and puts new limits on sugar and fat content in school food. Florida starts a one-year pilot program to test randomly for steroid use among high school athletes.
Sex education
Colorado bans abstinence-only sex education in all schools (except for one district), requiring schools to teach sex education based on scientific research and to include information on contraception.
Driving
Tennessee bans all motorcycle wheelies. Virginia drivers 17 years old and younger can be ticketed for talking on cell phones while driving. Florida increases the penalty – 60 days in jail or a $500 fine – for leaving a child under 6 in a vehicle without the engine running for longer than 15 minutes.
Drunken driving
Wyoming bans open containers in vehicles. South Dakota expands a program that requires repeat drunken drivers to check in at jails twice daily for breath testing.
War and veterans
Minnesota provides state education assistance to veterans or family members of dead or disabled veterans. Idaho limits protests at military funerals. Florida bars commercial use of names or pictures of service members without their permission, or their families’ permission if they are deceased.
Immigration
Georgia’s tough anti-illegal immigration laws kick in, requiring public employers with 500 or more employees – and any contractors – to verify that all new hires are in the country lawfully. The state also checks to make sure that anyone over age 18 who is receiving benefits is in the country legally. Idaho requires proof of legal residency for most forms of public assistance.
Abortion
Women seeking abortions in Georgia must be given a chance to see an ultrasound image of the fetus and listen for a heartbeat. In Mississippi, an abortion provider must perform a sonogram and give a pregnant woman the chance to listen to the heartbeat.
Minimum wage
Illinois, Michigan and Pennsylvania were among the states that raised their minimum wage.
Sexual orientation
Gays and lesbians are protected by Iowa’s civil rights laws. Vermont bars discrimination against people who change their genders or discrimination based on whether they present themselves as a man or a woman.
Medical marijuana
New Mexico legalized the medical use of marijuana. Rhode Island made permanent its medical marijuana program, which was to expire June 30. Vermont expanded the use of medical marijuana to those with some chronic diseases.