California: New year brings new laws for 2012

The state Legislature has had a busy year passing 745 new laws, most of which go into effect Sunday. Here are a few new laws that stand out.

-- Employment credit reports: In most cases, prospective employers will no longer be allowed to obtain a consumer credit report. If a credit report is needed, a written notice must be provided to the prospective employee citing a specific reason for obtaining the report. Exemptions are made for certain jobs, such as positions in the Department of Justice, law enforcement or those dealing with cash.

-- Child safety seat: Children under eight years old need to be buckled into a car seat or booster seat in the back seat. The new law does away with the 6 years or 60 pounds rule.

-- Alcohol sales: Businesses will be prohibited from selling alcoholic beverages through self-service checkouts.

-- Firearms: It will be illegal to open carry an unloaded handgun in plain sight or in a car. Applying for an concealed weapon permit is still an option.

-- Rabies vaccinations: A dog can be exempt from receiving a rabies vaccination if a veterinarian can verify that receiving the vaccine would endanger the dog's life. A dog exempt from the vaccination will be required to be confined to the premises of the owner, or if off the premises, it must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet and under direct control of an adult.

-- Copper theft: Theft of copper wire where the value exceeds

$950 will be considered grand theft and is punishable by imprisonment and in county jail or state prison and fines up to $2,500 or $10,000.

-- DUI checkpoints: Law enforcement can no longer impound a car if the driver's only offense is failure to hold a valid driver's license.

-- Smoking in rentals: Landlords will be authorized to prohibit smoking of tobacco products on the property, in a dwelling unit, in another interior or exterior area or on the premises on which the dwelling unit is located.

-- Tanning: All those wishing to use an ultraviolet tanning device will have to be 18 years or older. Existing law allows 14- to 18-year-olds to use tanning devices with the consent of a parent. That rule will no longer apply.

An in-depth review of these new laws and a complete list can be found at leginfo.ca.gov/pdf/BillsEnacte-dReport2011.pdf.

Source: http://www.redbluffdailynews.com/ci_19659996?source=rss_viewed

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