As I reported previously here, people create a lot of lists at the end of the year. The New Year is also a time for many new laws to take effect. Here are a few worth mentioning:
- Massachusetts becomes the 12th state to do away with criminal penalties for light-weight (1 oz or less) possession, enacting a $100 fine instead of misdemeanor criminal charges.
- It is now illegal for single people to adopt children in Arkansas. The law was designed to prevent gays and lesbians from adopting, but obviously has much wider impact. The ACLU is challenging the law. Definitely one to watch. But this law was designed to "protect the children," and to stop the "gay agenda" that's going around the country. I'm pleased the state would much rather take care of the children than have caring families adopt them.
- A law in California guarantees that if California property owners plant a tree before a neighbor installs solar panels on their roof, then the neighbor can't require the tree to be cut or trimmed, even if it grows to cast shade on the panels.
My favorite:
- Don't text while you drive in California. The article rightly asks, "why would you need a law to tell you this is dangerous?" The report on NBC News also quoted a young woman, "I've almost rear-ended a few people while I was texting." Apparently this televised admission isn't enough to get her arrested. Perhaps she'll be rear-ended the next time she's out driving.
Read a roundup of some of these laws here or here.
Be sure to remain safe - and legal!
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