In California, 725 new laws became effective on Jan. 1. The laws concern numerous topics from paparazzi to truancy. Here are some of the more notable laws that came into effect on New Year’s Day.
Under AB 2479, paparazzi or anyone else attempting to capture another person on film while driving recklessly, or causing others to drive dangerously, may be charged with a misdemeanor. The charge, which was formerly an infraction, is punishable by up to six months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
The attempt to get this law passed was heavily influenced after several paparazzi fracases in Malibu, including one that involved a brawl at Little Dume Beach between locals and celebrity photographers attempting to capture actor Matthew McConaughey on film in the summer of 2008. Local city leaders and county officials formed task forces to deal with the problem; and appeals were made to state legislators.
Malibu parents may worry less with AB 1952 that requires drivers less than 21 years of age who wish to drive a two-wheeled motorcycle, motorized scooter, motorized bicycle or moped to complete a safety course before receiving a permit.
Those who saw the movie “Catfish,” a true story about two brothers and friend who encounter a surreal family through Facebook, will sigh with relief with SB 1411 going into effect. Under the law, pretending to be someone else through social networking sites, text messaging or e-mail with the intention of harming or threatening others, is now punishable by up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine under SB1411.
Although the attempt to legalize marijuana failed in this state, SB 1449 reduces possession of less than an ounce of marijuana from a misdemeanor to an infraction on par with a speeding ticket. Possession of less than an ounce of marijuana now carries a maximum penalty of a $100 fine.
No more hooky: Parents who allow their child in kindergarten through 8th grade to miss more than 10 percent of the school year without a reasonable excuse can be charged with a misdemeanor, sentenced up to a year in prison and charged a $2,000 fine under SB 1317.
Helping young people transition from foster care to adulthood, youths in foster care are now entitled to government services until the age of 21 under AB 12. Foster youths were previously entitled to state services only until 18 years of age.
Moving with cultural and social tides, the 1950 law requiring the Department of Mental Health to research “causes and cures” for “sexual deviations” no longer requires the department to include homosexuality in said research under AB 2199.
It is now illegal for landlords to evict tenants who are victims of sexual or domestic abuse or stalking under SB 782.
Prison inmates who have serious health problems and are already in outside health facilities can be granted “medical parole” so the federal government will be responsible for a portion of the cost of their care. The inmates require guards around them at all times under SB 1399.
Under SB 677, courts have the right to seize property used in human trafficking, including homes and vehicles.
For more information on these and other laws visit www.ca.gov.