A new year brings new laws. You have probably heard about a few of them, but did you know there are more than 800 taking effect in California alone?
Many of them are based on high profile cases from throughout the last few years.
It's a new day in California and while it seems like it should have already been a law, it’s now illegal to obscure or alter your license plate. But, you can finally show proof of insurance on your smart phone.
Speaking of proof, school administrators no longer need as much of it to charge kids with truancy. But what they are now required by law to do, immediately report suspicion of child sexual abuse by coaches or teachers, fallout from the Jerry Sandusky case.
Caylee's Law went into effect, requiring parents report their children missing within 24 hours, and named after Caylee Anthony, daughter of accused murderer Casey Anthony.
Speaking of big cases, a new law is on the books that applies to a loophole found by ex-Anderson Police Officer Bryan Benson. Peace officers can no longer have sex with people in their custody. That law crafted by Jim Nielsen after Benson's alleged rape.
While we are on the subject of sex, women no longer have to see a doctor for birth control, they can now get it from a nurse.
New laws also apply to gun owners. The open carry of rifles and shotguns in public is illegal and the use of hounds is outlawed for bear and bobcat hunting.
The restrictions also got tighter on metal recyclers, it’s now tougher for them to accept fire hydrants and fire department connections, which are often stolen.
But certain groups also gained some rights. Vets within 15 years of active duty service now have priority enrollment at all public colleges and universities. People facing foreclosure can sue the bank, and documented workers from other countries can now get a drivers license.
A win for low income workers, they now can apply for a state sponsored private sector retirement plan.
All workers can relax, knowing that it is illegal for their employer to ask for social media passwords.
These are just 15 of the new laws on California's books this year. For a complete list,
click here.
