Be aware of new laws now in effect

Talk about it

As we begin 2010, we are reminded of the work done by members of the North Dakota Legislature. A host of new laws have taken effect this year, not just in North Dakota, but around the country.

Here are a select few:

— In North Dakota, fireworks stands no longer may advertise or offer to sell bottle rockets to customers. The ban took effect Aug. 1.

— North Dakota cigarette sellers will be allowed to sell only “reduced ignition” cigarettes, which go out if a smoker quits puffing on them.

— A smoking ban for bars and restaurants in North Carolina, the country’s largest tobacco producer, begins.

— America’s roads should be safer in 2010, as bans on texting while driving go into effect in New Hampshire, Oregon and Illinois. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, that will make 19 states that have outlawed the practice. North Dakota is not one of those states.

— A new Arkansas law prohibits retailers from selling toy guns that look like the real thing.

— California will be the first state to partially ban the use of artificial trans fats in restaurants in 2010. The state’s restaurants, bakeries and other retail food establishments will no longer be allowed to use products with trans fats in spreads or for frying. Restaurants will still be allowed to use trans fats to deep-fry yeast dough and in cake batter until Jan. 1, 2011.

— Fans of dog races will have to find another form of entertainment in Massachusetts, as the 75-year-old tradition has been outlawed starting Friday.

— Texas teenagers going to a tanning bed must be accompanied by an adult.

— In North Dakota, it is now a felony, punishable by five years in prison and a $5,000 fine, to hit, injure or kill a service animal, whether it is used by a citizen or a law enforcement officer. It is a misdemeanor, with a penalty of up to a year in prison and a $2,000 fine, to harass or taunt the animal while it is working.

Happy New Year.

Tags: opinion, editorials, laws