A new Illinois law requires licensed day care centers and homes to have their facilities tested for radon at least once every three years. Illinois HB 4606
Film producers in California must have permission from a board-certified pediatrician before filming a child under the age of one month. California AB 2396
Maryland passed the Civil Marriage Protection Act, which gives same-sex couples the right to marry. The law was approved by a majority of Maryland voters in November. Maryland now becomes the ninth state in the nation to legalize same-sex civil marriage (in addition to the District of Columbia). Maine’s same-sex marriage law goes into effect on Dec. 29, 2012. Maryland HB 438
In California objecting clergy members do not have to perform same-sex marriages. California SB 1140
Consumer Protection
A new Illinois law creates the Toxin-Free Toddler Act banning manufacturers and wholesalers from selling children's food and beverage containers containing bisphenol A (BPA). Illinois SB 2950
Oregon is setting standards for the amount of mercury that may be contained in general purpose lamps and prohibiting manufacturers from selling lamps in Oregon that contain more mercury than allowed in the content standards. Oregon SB 1512
Also in Oregon, a new law requires the Oregon Health Authority to develop and maintain a lead poisoning prevention clearing-house on its website, providing information to help reduce lead exposures. Oregon HB 4015
Corrections and Judiciary
A new law in California 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. California AB 2078
Another California law allows offenders who were under 18 years of age when they committed an offense for which they were sentenced to life in prison without parole to petition the court for resentencing. California SB 9
California also prohibits picketing a funeral one hour before and one hour after the event. California SB 661
A new law in Oregon increases the classification for disorderly conduct crimes committed within 200 feet of property on which the offender knows a funeral service is being conducted. Oregon SB 1575
A new California law extends the state tattoo removal program to individuals tattooed for identification in trafficking or prostitution. California AB 1956
Oregon requires health providers and financial institutions to permit law enforcement to inspect protected information of an elderly person during an abuse or fraud investigation. Oregon HB 4084
A new law in California adds breastfeeding as a category of sexual discrimination in housing and employment. California AB 2386
California requires professional sports facilities to post emergency numbers for patrons to call or text to report acts of violence. California AB 2464
California amended its Fair Employment and Housing Act to explicitly include an employee’s religious dress or grooming practice as an observance covered by the protections against religious discrimination. California AB1964
New Corrections and Judiciary Laws Specifically in Illinois
A new law orders the state departments of health and corrections to establish procedures for testing and notifying prisoners who are suffering from sexually transmitted diseases. Illinois HB 4453
A new law makes failure to report the death or disappearance of a child under 13 a criminal offense. Illinois SB 2537
Two new laws relating to elder abuse mandate training for probation officers to recognize elder abuse, and the second expand the definition of what constitutes elder abuse. Illinois HB 5098 and Illinois HB 5653
The state must create a program to train police officers to recognize symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and respond appropriately to individuals exhibiting those symptoms. Illinois HB 5587
Sex offenders are prohibited from distributing candy on Halloween, or playing Santa or the Easter Bunny. Illinois SB 3579
Illustration: Maryland State Seal
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