Spartan Daily

New Laws for 2012

New Laws for 2012

 According to a document released by the California legislature, 745 bills were enacted in the 2011 regular session effective in 2012.

Here are some highlights:

Internet Sales Tax Law

This law states that Internet retailers must collect California sales tax on transactions if the retailer has a presence in the state.

California Renters Right to Recycling Law

Apartment building landlords will have to start providing recycling services for seven million California tenants.

Caffeinated Beer Illegal 

Sale of caffeinated beer will now be illegal.

Alcohol at Self-Checkout Lines

This law states that partrons will be no longer allowed to purchase alcohol at self-serve checkout stands.

California Handgun Open Carry Law 

This law states that Californians may no longer partake in the open-carry of handguns.  Violators can pay up to $1,000 in fines and are subject to six months in jail for a misdemeanor. Californians can still get permits for concealed weapons.

Concussions in Student Athletes

This law states that schools will now be required to remove a student athlete from a game if the athlete sustains a possible concussion. The law mandates the player receive medical clearance before returning to competition.

California Gay Bullying Law-Seth's Law

This law requires school districts to have a uniform process for dealing with gay bullying complaints. The law makes it mandatory for school personnel to intervene if they witness gay bullying.

LGBT Equality and Equal Access in Higher Education Law

This law states that California universities and colleges, including community colleges, must create and enforce campus policies protecting LGBT individuals from harassment and appoint an employee to address on-campus LGBT matters.

Child Booster Seat Law

This law states that children under 8 years old must now be secured in an appropriate child restraint, or booster seat, meeting federal motor vehicle safety standards if they are transported on a highway. The law does contain a provision that if the child is 4'9" or taller they may use a safety belt rather than a child safety seat or booster seat.  

Employment Credit Check Law

This law states that employers can no longer request credit reports for Californians seeking a job unless they are working or seeking work in a financial institution, law enforcement or the state Department of Justice.

Shark Fins Illegal

This law states that it is illegal to sell or distribute shark fins, a Chinese delicacy.

California Human Trafficking Law

This law makes it mandatory for companies to disclose efforts they take to eradicate slavery and human trafficking from their entire supply chains.

Domestic Partnership Equality Law

This law corrects inequalities between domestic partnerships and heterosexual marriages, including domestic partner health benefits sharing.

Double White Lines Law

This law states that cars are now also explicitly forbidden from crossing double parallel solid white lines, commonly found in carpool lanes on highways.

Sobriety Checkpoint Law

This law presents a new adjustment to sobriety checkpoint regulations which prevents authorities from impounding vehicles at checkpoints when the driver’s only offense is failing to hold a driver’s license. The law states that repeat offenders can have their driver’s license suspended for 10 years if they have been convicted of at least three DUIs.