New Laws Taking Effect, Hide Your Wallets

Throughout 2007, state lawmakers were busily passing legislation to supposedly improve the lives of all members of the citizenry. Here's a listing of some of the more notable legislation taking effect today.

(AZ) Legal Arizona Workers Act enacted. Employers will lose licenses for hiring illegal aliens.

(CA) Localities are prohibited from requiring landlords to identify and report immigration status of tenants. Also prohibited are ordinances which prevent renting to illegal aliens.

(CA) It is now illegal to smoke in a car with anyone younger than 18 in the vehicle.

(CO) Smoking banned in casinos. Gambling winnings will be confiscated from those overdue on child support.

(HI) Exempts potential jurors from parking tickets while on jury duty.

(IL) Major restrictions on teen drivers become effective. Only one unrelated teen passenger allowed. Curfew hours more restrictive. Learner's permit for nine months vs. three.

(IL) Smoking prohibited virtually anywhere public in the state, including within 15 feet of anywhere public. Stiff fines imposed, minimum $100 for smokers and $250 for businesses on first offense. Half the money goes to local enforcement so it's likely to be treated as an easy revenue stream.

(MA) All residents 18 and older are required to purchase health insurance or be penalized by the government.

(MN) Stars & Stripes banned from sale unless made in USA.

(NH) Homosexual couples given rights of civil unions. Health insurance companies must cover divorced spouses for three years or until they remarry.

(NM) Employers must provide safe, clean, close to work breastfeeding room for mothers.

(NY) Airline Bill of Rights requires passengers to be provided with food, water, fresh air, power, and working restrooms on flights boarded and delayed more than three hours.

(OR) Domestic partnership legalized and discrimination against homosexuals outlawed.

(OR) Sale of cigarettes must be approved by State Fire Marshal to assure that they are firesafe.

(TX) A $5 Strip Club Admission Tax will be collected.

(TX) Teachers required to be fingerprinted.

(WA) Internet voter registration adopted.

All in all, the new laws encompass the good, the bad, the ludicrous and, in many instances, simply increased regulation on business.