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 New California Laws 2006
You may be interested to know there are a variety of new laws that take effect this year. Here is a synopsis.
Tougher Driving Laws for Teens
Jan 1, 2006 teenage drivers (older than 16 but younger than 18) who have had their license for less than one year are not legally permitted to drive between the hours of 11pm and 5am. Teenage drivers who have had their license for less than one year also may not have passengers under the age of 20 unless accompanied and supervised by a licensed parent, guardian, instructor, or person 25 years or older. This law applies retroactively to all teens, even if they received their licenses before Jan 1, 2006. AB 1474
DUI
Drivers that have been convicted on a DUI will be disqualified for a good driver discount for ten years. SB 597
Dog Laws
A new law allows local governments to pass ordinances regulating breeding, spaying, and neutering of specific dog breeds. SB 861
Puppies younger than 8 weeks cannot be sold without the written approval of a veterinarian. The violation results in a $250 fine. SB 914
Homeowners' Associations
Homeowners' Associations may not foreclose on a home for unpaid assessments of less than $1,800 or 12 months delinquency. SB 137
Homeowners' Associations must make accounting records and minutes of proceedings available to members. SB 61
Internet Hunting
Remote killing of animals over the internet is now illegal in California. Businesses that offer the shooting of live animals via the computer are also illegal. SB 1028
Sexual Harassment
Employers of 50 or more employees are required to train supervisors about sexual harassment rules at least once every two years. State agencies must also provide training. AB 1825
Body Piercing
It is a $250 dollar fine to pierce the body of someone younger than 18 years old without the consent of a parent or guardian AB 646
Health Insurance
Health Insurers are required to explain in writing why they have denied an individual coverage or granted coverage at a rate higher than standard. AB 356
Sex Offenders
Sex Offenders deemed high risk to the public by the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation are barred from living within half a mile of public or private schools for grades K-12. AB 113
Phishing
Anyone who uses e-mail to deceive consumers into releasing private information, such as credit card numbers, that can be used to defraud the consumer is subject to penalties up to $2,500 per violation. SB 355
Street Racing Law
The new law extends the penalty for street racing. It is a misdemeanor to engage in a motor vehicle speed contest and results in not less than 24 hours and not more than 90 days imprisonment in the county jail. The new law now adds that if the person convicted of engaging in a motor vehicle speed contest proximately causes bodily injury to a person other than the driver, the penalty is not less than 30 days to not more than 6 months imprisonment, a fine, or both imprisonment and fine. The convicted person will also have to serve 40 hours of community service and their license may be suspended for 90 days to 6 months. AB 1325
Laws That Become Effective Later This Year………
Auto Purchases
Effective July 1, 2006 -- a buyer of a used vehicle priced less than $40,000 may purchase an option for up to $250 that gives the buyer the opportunity to cancel the contract for any reason within two days of purchase. The bill also includes a profit cap for dealerships arranging loans. Dealers must now also give buyers disclosure on service contracts and maintenance plans. AB 68
Dietary Supplements
Effective July 1, 2006 -- all 9th-12th grade athletes, in order to participate in interscholastic sports, must sign a pledge not to take any anabolic steroids or any dietary supplements banned by the US Anti-doping agency. High school coaches are also required to take a course on the health risks of steroids and dietary supplements by the end of 2008. SB 37
If you would like more information on any of these bills, go to: http://www.legislature.ca.gov/
You can visit Chain-Younger Websites for additional information regarding:
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