For those who say there are too many rules and regulations on the books here is your proof: Beginning at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve 40,000 new laws will take effect in this country. Now, before you starting painting your protest signs and booking buses to D.C., keep in mind that the vast majority of these laws are state laws. Yes, it’s your neighborhood and you’re locally elected representatives who voted in those laws, so you better watch out.
On the federal side, there are two new laws of note. First, Social Security payments are going to go up by $450 to most recipients. Secondly, for truck and bus drivers who are caught while texting or using a hand-held cell phone the fine is going to be $2,700 per offense. That is on top of any local laws. I think that’s one law we can all get behind.
Here’s a smattering of the new laws that go into effect in 2012.
NO ID, NO WORK
Immigration reform laws in Alabama and Georgia will now require all employers who do business with any government entity to use the federal E-Verify to make sure all their employees are legal residents. Although these laws are slated to begin being enforced, be on the lookout for a court order that might strike them all down. Turns out the constitution says the federal government is in charge of immigration. Silly constitution.
KIDS RULE
As with many of our rules and regulations, it’s all about protecting the kids. In Colorado, little league and high school coaches will now be required to bench any player who has a head injury. That benched player will then need medical clearance from a doctor to play again. These same little league coaches will have to take annual training reviews on how to recognize a concussion.
Florida is taking over their state school lunch menus in an effort to fill up the trays with more fresh fruit and veggies. None of that “pizza is a vegetable” nonsense, thank you.
Nevada has a ban on texting while driving for underage drivers. Up in North Dakota,16 year old drivers will have to hold onto that temporary driver’s license for up to a year meaning they can’t drive unless another fully licensed driver is with them. All good laws, right?
FAST AND FURIOUS GOLF CARTS
Georgia has finally brought an end to the madness of out of control golf carts. Now there will be a whole bunch of new regulations about golf carts that are taken off the golf course. Wouldn’t that make these just “carts?” These new regulations include adding reverse warning alarms, a horn and better brakes. Who knew golf cart races were such a big issue?
RED LIGHT, GREEN LIGHT, GO
If you drive a motorcycle in Illinois and don’t feel like waiting around for a red light, you’re in luck. The new law says that a “motorcyclist who stops at a red light may proceed through the light if it fails to change to green after a reasonable length of time.” Really? Show of hands: who thinks 1-Mississippi, 2-Mississippi is a reasonable length of time? How long before a car driver uses the defense, “Well, that motorcycle guy got to drive through the red light so why couldn’t I?”
EPIC HAPPY HOUR FAIL
Finally, if you’re a fan of happy hour, you’ll want to avoid Utah like the plague. There are new laws that make daily drink specials illegal. Personally, I’m not much of a fan of discount drinking but if this means an end to chicken wings and jalapeño poppers then I will take to the streets… in my golf cart.
— Meyer
