New laws

COLUMBUS, Ohio — New laws taking effect Wednesday reflect states’ concerns with holding police more accountable, expanding the use of DNA to solve crimes and offering certain tax breaks.

July 1 is the effective date in many states for laws passed this year. In others, laws take effect Jan. 1, or 90 days after passage.

Some laws create new state responsibilities. Florida, the nation’s leader in illicit sales of addictive prescription drugs such as the painkiller OxyContin, will join 38 other states that have electronic tracking systems for such drugs. Critics say the new law may infringe on patients’ privacy rights.

Utah will lift some of the nation’s strictest regulations limiting who can belly up to the bar. For 40 years, the state has deemed bars to be members-only private clubs. The system is being scrapped in an effort to lure tourists and business.


Police mandates
Some laws put extra mandates on police. SWAT teams in Maryland must report on their missions to the governor every six months and report when a team injures or kills a pet.
Minnesota is compelling police and sheriffs to start searching right away when adults disappear suspiciously. Some law enforcement agencies now wait 24 or 48 hours to look into such cases, since adults can choose to leave without telling others.


Tax breaks
Tax breaks abound. North Dakota will reduce taxes on income, champagne, and pull tab gambling tickets. Maryland will add domestic partners who co-own homes to the list of people exempted from inheritance tax.
North Carolina will provide a series of new and expanded property tax breaks or deferrals to disabled veterans, the elderly and fishery owners.

Washington is giving newspaper printers and publishers a 40 percent cut in the state’s main business tax.


Child safety, health
Oregon will strengthen its existing anti-bullying law after a study found the state’s 2001 law was failing to stop name-calling, slurs and harassment, especially insults aimed at minorities, girls and gays.
Mississippi will require anyone 17 or younger to get written permission from a parent or guardian before using an indoor tanning facility.



by the associated press