There are some new laws that took effect January 1, 2011 — 31,500 to be exact. Here are a few highlights from around the country:
Connecticut now imposes an $11,000 fine against companies that violate consumers who are registered on the national do-not-call list.
A flurry of activity in cyber crime laws resulted in laws such as Illinois’s anti-sexting law. Minors who send lewd photographs of themselves will face charges, but not the felony of distribution of pornography. There are also more anti-bullying laws that took effect.
California has a new disclosure law for tenants who are leasing properties in foreclosure:Â tenants must be told about the pending foreclosure and what their rights are once foreclosure is completed.
Pennsylvania, Missouri, Michigan, and Colorado all made changes in their state pension programs. Because of funding crises, these states passed laws that increase the retirement age for state workers, require state workers to contribute some or more to their retirement, and/or impose minimum number of years of employment prior to eligibility for retirement with benefits.
South Dakota and Missouri joined 47 other states to require fire-safe cigarettes –Â the cigarettes that extinguish themselves and thereby prevent fires caused by careless smokers or smokers who fall asleep whilst smoking.
And last, but not least, Utah established an ethics commission to conduct independent investigations of the behavior and actions of government officials.
You can find more at the National Conference of State Legislatures – www.ncsl.org.