Some new laws effective now, others will wait





By Michael Picarella
Acorn Staff Writer

The state of California passed approximately 900 new laws for 2004, many of which went into effect on Jan. 1. Some aren’t effective until later.


The following is a recap of the new legislation and what the laws mean for you.


Education


SB-892: Requires California schools to maintain clean and operational bathrooms or risk the loss of state maintenance funds.


Environment


AB-28: Raises refundable fees paid by consumers on recyclable containers.


SB-245: Bans ocean farming of salmon, exotic and genetically modified fish, off the coast.


Homeowners associations


SB-1: Gives homeowners new rights to fly flags or display signs.


Health


SB-969: Specifies that people who give medical advice over the phone must be licensed medical professionals only.


SB-582: Bans the sale of dietary supplements that contain ephedra.


Civil rights


AB-196: Prohibits job or housing discrimination against people who differ in appearance, usually associated with their sex.


Crime


AB-1313: California’s Megan’s Law, which allows the public access to high-risk or serious sex offenders’ information, will be extended for another three years.


Other bills signed just before the New Year that will be effective later include:


Education


SB-677: Schools have until July to restrict soda sales to elementary and middle-school students.


SB-5: The Department of Education has until 2009 to present an educational focus or standards for kindergarten through 12th grade foreign language instruction.


Environment


AB-302: In 2008, it will prohibit the use of some chemicals in fire retardants.


SB-20: On July 1, new fees on TV and computer monitors will help fund a statewide electronics recycling program.


Health


SB-1661: Starting July 1, California will be the first state to provide paid family leave.


SB-2: Beginning with a first phase in 2006, it declares that many employers must help pay for their workers’ health insurance.


Civil Rights


AB-205: Expands in 2005 the civil rights of California’s gay and lesbian domestic partners, giving them many of the rights of married couples.


AB-17: In 2007, businesses with state contracts must offer the same benefits to domestic partners as to married couples.


Crime


SB-489: Requires in 2006 that new models of semiautomatic handguns have a safety device that prevents them from accidentally going off.


Consumer Privacy


SB-1: In July, consumers can block financial companies from selling or sharing their personal financial information.


For more information about California legislation, log onto the Internet and go to the site at www.leginfo.ca.gov or call (916) 445-2323.



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