New State Laws Effective Sunday, July 1st

Legislators have passes a number of new laws across the country below are some of them citizens should be aware of.

Colorado

Abstinence-only Sex Education Banned

In all but one school district across Colorado Abstinence-only Sex education is banned from being taught to students. Instead safe sex practices along with abstinence information will be combined to teach

Campaigns Must Disclose Funding and Spending

Political Campaigns must disclose where they get their money and where it is going. Critics say there are too many loopholes to the new law but it's a step in the right direction.

Motorcycle Helmet Law for Kid Passengers

Juveniles who are along for the ride on a motorcycle will finally be legally required wear a helmet. Adults will be pulled over and ticketed if the accompanying child is not protected by a helmet.

Tennessee

Must show ID to purchase Beer

All people buying alcohol must show their identification card/driver's license regardless of their age and how old they appear to be.

Cell phone ban while operating vehicle

Drivers ages 17 and under can be ticketed if caught driving while talking on their cell phone.

New York

No more Trans Fat

Ban of all Trans-Fat in an effort to promote good health.

Nevada

Sex Offender law

Stricter laws for Convicted Sex Offenders who pose a threat to children will require them to live no closer than 1,000 feet of a school or other places children often frequent.

Health insurance to Pay for Cancer Preventatives

Insurance companies will be required to cover the cost of prostate cancer screening as well as the HPV vaccine for patients who desire either of these.

Illinois

Tougher Laws for Uninsured Motorists

Drivers without car insurance will face stricter penalties including an automatic suspension of their license for three months and up to $1,000 in fines plus $100 reinstatement fees.

Higher Minimum Wage

Employers must pay their workers at least $7.50 per hour as the new minimum wage requirement. This amount will increase by .25 cents per year. Employees under the age of 18 can be paid .50 cents under the current minimum wage amount.

Tattoo and Body Piercing

Any establishment that provides Tattoo's or body piercing is first subject to regulation by the Health Department to maintain sanitary and high standards.

Teen Drivers

Teenagers who ditch school or are frequently late for class may not be able to get their learners permit or drivers license.

Virginia

Underage Tanning

Teens 14 and under will be required to have their parents consent before getting an artificial tan at salons.

Concert Law

Promoters who advertise and promise famous bands to get fans to buy tickets will be fined $15 thousand if they don't come through.

Smokers at Gas Stations

Anyone caught smoking within 20 feet of a gasoline tank may face up to a year in prison.

New Mexico

Medical Marijuana

New Mexico joins many other states in approving the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes.

Massachusetts

Mandatory Health Insurance

The new law will require all residents to obtain health insurance whether it's through private insurance companies or with assistance from state programs.

Sources:

Steven K. Paulson "Legislators hope law will open campaign finance to scrutiny" Star Tribute

http://www.casperstartribune.net/articles/2007/06/26/news/regional/05ce31e59187113087257303007692be.txt

Brendan Riley "New Nevada Laws Take effect on Sunday" Las Vegas Sun

http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/nevada/2007/jun/29/062910409.html

Salem Times "Several New Laws Take Effect July 1^st"

http://www.salem-tc.com/news/2007/0629/Front_Page/005.html

Ishmael LaBiosa "New Virginia Laws to take effect"

http://new.wset.com/news/stories/0607/435309.html