New year brings new laws

The new year will usher in a sales tax increase, and immunity from arrest for someone possessing illicit drugs when they are seeking emergency assistance for themselves or someone else suffering an overdose, among a slew of other laws which take effect Jan. 1.
Proposition 30, passed by voters in November, averted crippling cuts to education and supports public safety, but it also increased state sales tax by a quarter cent (effective Jan. 1) and increased personal income taxes for people making over $250,000 annually, beginning with the 2012 tax year.
AB 472, also referred to as the “Good Samaritan” law is intended to encourage people to call 911 if they see someone they think is overdosing on drugs or alcohol, without the risk of being arrested for low-level drug violations. However, the law does not protect drug dealers or motorists who are driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
“Drug overdose is the second leading cause of injury and death in the United States, behind only motor vehicle accidents and ahead of firearms. California has the greatest number of overdose deaths in the country per year,” states information about the bill on the California Legislative Information website.
Several other new laws are intended to protect job-seekers and employees, animals, and the environment, according to information from the Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), which each year compiles a list of some of the more interesting state laws.
• AB 1844 prohibits employers from requiring applicants or employees to disclose their social media passwords or user names for the purpose of accessing personal information. Social media refers to things like email accounts, Facebook, blogs, videos, text messages, etc.  
• AB 1964 makes provisions to the Fair Employment and Housing Act to include an employee’s religious dress or grooming practice as an observance covered by the protections against religious discrimination.
• AB 2386 adds breastfeeding as a category of sexual discrimination in housing and employment.
• It is now against the law to let a dog pursue a bear or bobcat at any time. Previously, exceptions had been made for hunting.
• HB 2230 requires in-car or conveyor-driven car washes to recycle at least 60-percent of their wash or rinse water.
Health care, same sex marriages, correctional facilities, and even funerals have also been addressed.
• SB 255 requires health plans to cover services related to breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.
• SB 1140 says objecting clergy members do not have to perform same-sex marriages.
• SB 661 prohibits picketing a funeral one hour before and one hour after the event.
• AB 2078 prohibits prison workers and peace officers from having sex with someone who is confined to a correctional facility, including prisoners who are being transported to jail.
The new year also paves the way for some new rules for the road. Following are just a few of over a dozen that go into effect on Jan. 1:
• Under AB 2020 motorists who have been arrested and are suspected of driving under the influence of drugs, no longer have the option of a urine test. Blood tests only will now be required.
• AB 1890 prohibits motorists from driving with any object or material that obstructs their view through the windshield or side windows.
• AB 1536 allows drivers to text while behind the wheel if the driver is using a voice-operated, hands-free device.  
•    AB 1708 gives drivers the option of showing proof of insurance and registration to law enforcement on an electronic device, such as a Smart phone.   
• SB 1047 is similar to an AMBERT Alert, in that the California Highway Patrol would active a “Silver Alert” upon request if a person 65 or older, is reported missing to a law enforcement agency and that agency determines that certain criteria is met.  
• AB 2189 allows a driver’s license applicant who provides satisfactory proof that his or her presence in the United States is authorized under federal law, but who is not eligible for a social security account number, is eligible to receive an original driver’s license if he or she meets all other qualifications for licensure.
For a complete listing of new laws visit the National Conference of State Legislature’s website at www.ncsl.org or the Legislative Counsel’s website at www.leginfo.ca.gov.