New laws around US kick in today

Associated Press

Early July is about more than fireworks, cookouts and long weekends. It’s also about hundreds of new state laws.

Around the nation, July 1 marks the start of new fiscal years and the date recently passed legislation goes into effect, although states often mark their independence by enacting new regulations on their calendars.

The laws and effective dates vary, but an overview of legislation set to hit the books today shows that state lawmakers took positions on these five topics of national debate:

GUNS

State legislatures across the U.S. discussed gun laws in the wake of mass shootings that shocked the nation in 2012. Most efforts to pass restrictions faded amid fierce opposition. Colorado is notable for requiring background checks for private and online gun sales and outlawing high-capacity ammunition magazines. At least 18 states have gone the other way and loosened gun laws. Kansas laws set to take effect will allow schools to arm employees with concealed handguns and ensure that weapons can be carried into more public buildings.

TECHNOLOGY

Dozens of states examined technology laws. Recently passed legislation in eight states will prevent businesses from demanding passwords to social- media sites as a condition of employment. The law in Washington state also stops employers from compelling workers to add managers as “friends” so their profile can be viewed.

CARS

A handful of states have restricted cellphone use while driving. Starting today in Hawaii and West Virginia, motorists will have to put down handheld devices. In South Dakota beginning drivers will face similar restrictions. A few states have banned texting while driving. Other state laws affecting drivers will make it illegal to smoke in a car with a child, raise highway speed limits, crack down on drunken drivers and raise gas taxes.

ABORTION

Nationally, state lawmakers proposed more than 300 bills that would have restricted abortions, according to the American Civil Liberties Union. At least 13 state legislatures passed new limits. A bill that would have closed almost every abortion clinic in Texas was defeated in late June. The Texas governor has ordered another special legislative session to push the bill through. North Dakota has passed the nation’s strictest abortion law, which takes effect in August, banning abortions after six weeks of pregnancy.

DRONES

An Idaho law taking effect today forbids anyone from using an unmanned aircraft for spying on another. Virginia has passed a ban preventing authorities from using drones for the next two years, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.