New Laws Target Driving, Crime, Politicians

Report Read time:
New Laws Target Driving, Crime, Politicians

When the clock strikes 12 on New Year's Day, a variety of new laws across the country take effect, including some that warrant immediate notice. For example, if you're text-messaging while driving in California at 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, hit the send button fast. Or if you're in an Oregon bar enjoying a smoke, snuff it out in a hurry.
 
Jan.1 is the effective date for a wide range of new state laws, some of which touch many lives. For example, at least 10 states will raise their minimum wage.
 
Other laws affect a specific group of people, such as politicians. An Illinois law banning pay-to-play politics — when companies that do business with the state give campaign money to state officers who oversee their bids or contracts — has attracted national headlines. That's because of the recent arrest of Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D) on charges that he tried to sell President-elect Barack Obama's U.S. Senate seat to the highest bidder, while on a mission to rake in as much campaign money as possible before the law could take effect.

Read the full report New Laws Target Driving, Crime, Politicians on Stateline.org.

America’s Overdose Crisis
America’s Overdose Crisis

America’s Overdose Crisis

Sign up for our five-email course explaining the overdose crisis in America, the state of treatment access, and ways to improve care

Sign up
Quick View
America’s Overdose Crisis

America’s Overdose Crisis

Sign up for our five-email course explaining the overdose crisis in America, the state of treatment access, and ways to improve care

Sign up

MORE FROM PEW

An aerial view of a vast wetland, with scattered vegetation visible on sandy islands. In Western Australia, a Conservation Model for the World
A presentation being given by a businesswoman to a group of participants at a business conference. Four Plan Features Can Boost 'Retirement Readiness'
A large group of people in formal or traditional attire stands together on a stage, with a digital background depicting marine life and the large text “WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies.” WTO Needs to Redouble Its Effort on Fishing Subsidies
A man in a winter hat and sunglasses kneels on a rocky shoreline in front of a campfire, holding a metal mug with gloved hands. Behind him, in the water, a motorboat is moored to the shore. Cliffs rise on both sides of the water. Why Newfoundland’s South Coast Fjords Are Sacred
Composite image of modern city network communication concept

Learn the Basics of Broadband from Our Limited Series

Sign up for our four-week email course on Broadband Basics
Quick View

How does broadband internet reach our homes, phones, and tablets? What kind of infrastructure connects us all together? What are the major barriers to broadband access for American communities?

Pills illustration
Pills illustration

What Is Antibiotic Resistance—and How Can We Fight It?

Sign up for our four-week email series The Race Against Resistance.
Quick View
Pills illustration

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria, also known as “superbugs,” are a major threat to modern medicine. But how does resistance work, and what can we do to slow the spread? Read personal stories, expert accounts, and more for the answers to those questions in our four-week email series: Slowing Superbugs.