Education
In Oregon school districts must adopt a policy on teen dating violence and funding for teen dating violence education must be allocated. Oregon HB 4077
A new California law allows schools to teach junior and senior high school students about the Bracero Program. California SB 993
Vermont has created the position of secretary of education and clarified the purpose of the state board of education. Vermont HB 440
Nevada has made numerous changes to the structure and governance of its public elementary and secondary education system. Included among these changes are provisions requiring the State Board of Education to review and revise its current vision and mission statements and establish a statewide program of educational excellence. Nevada SB 197
A new law in Illinois establishes the Enhance Physical Education Task Force to promote physical education in school. Illinois SB 3374
Another sports-related law in California enacts a Student Athletes Bill of Rights, which would, among other things, allow intercollegiate athletic programs in the state to collect revenue from media rights. California SB 1525
New Hampshire has defined residency status for the purpose of receiving in-state college tuition within the state university system. New Hampshire HB 1383
Employment
In Illinois it is illegal for an employer to request social networking passwords or account information from an employee or applicant. Illinois HB 3782
A similar new California law prohibits employers from requiring applicants or employees to disclose social media passwords. California AB 1844
Environment
A new law in California requires in-car or conveyor-driven car washes to recycle at least 60-percent of their wash or rinse water. California HB 2230
As part of the Global Warming Solutions Act, another new California law requires tire pressure gauges to meet specified requirements. California SB 1076
Oregon must create and maintain a website related to seismic risk categories for schools. Oregon SB 1566
Gun Control
A new law in Michigan changes the definition of a “pistol” under the law from any firearm less than 30 inches in length to 26 inches. This new definition encompasses some rifles with folding stocks, subjecting these weapons to the same restrictions as pistols. Michigan SB 761
California is permitting Los Angeles to have more restrictive laws regulating the manufacturing of toy guns that a reasonable person could perceive is a firearm. California SB 1315
A new Illinois law exempts military re-enactments from the definition of unlawful use of weapons. Illinois HB 4901
Health
New Hampshire clarified the protocol for a health care facility to exercise authority to withhold or withdraw life-sustaining treatment from a mentally incompetent or developmentally disabled person. New Hampshire HB 1216
New Hampshire has banned partial birth abortion by physicians and nonphysicians except to save the life of the mother. The law was vetoed by the governor, but was later overridden by the legislature. New Hampshire HB 1679
A new California law prohibits mental health providers from engaging in efforts to change the sexual orientation of patients under the age of 18. California SB 1171
Illinois requires insurance companies to cover medical services related to autism. Illinois SB 679
Alaska requires insurance coverage for autism spectrum disorders, and establishes the Comprehensive Autism Early Diagnosis and Treatment Task Force. Alaska SB 74
A California law requires a surrogate mother and the intended parent or parents to be represented by separate independent counsel before executing an assisted reproduction agreement for gestational carriers. California AB 1217
A new law in Massachusetts is designed to improve the quality of health care and reduce costs through increased transparency, efficiency and innovation. Massachusetts SB 2400
Pensions
A package of laws in California, AB 340 and AB 197, reforms several of the state’s pension systems, including CalPERS.
Alabama reformed the defined benefit tier for public employee pensions. Alabama SB 388
Transportation
A new law in California prohibits driving with any object or material that obstructs the driver's clear view through the windshield or side windows. California AB 1890
California no longer requires passengers in off-road vehicles to keep both feet flat on the floorboard. California AB 1266
California drivers can text while driving if the driver is using a voice-operated, hands-free device. California AB 1536
Illinois changed the definition of pedestrian to include in-line skaters. Illinois SB 3336
Florida law revised the term “motor vehicle” to exclude swamp buggies. Florida HB 1223
A new law in Alabama requires the state to use a new electronic verification system to help enforce the existing mandatory automobile insurance law. Alabama SB 137
Illinois bans drivers from texting while operating commercial motor vehicles. Illinois HB 5101
*Changes to the original list were made on Dec. 30, 2012.
Illustration: Oregon HazVu: Statewide Geohazards Viewer,Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries
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