As the Roanoke Times reports, today marks the date when new laws go into effect. Lowkell has reported on one major change (mandatory ultrasounds for women getting an abortion). There are additional law changes. For example (paraphrased here from the RT):
* As the Roanoke Times reports, a new law “Creates a cause of action for the wrongful death of a fetus caused by the wrongful act, neglect or default of another. No cause of action can be brought against the natural mother.” (Aside: Does this mean that if a woman miscarries coincident with an emotional trauma she can look to criminally blame someone for her loss? It sounds to vague to me. What do the lawyers out there say?)
*Voters can no longer sign an affidavit when they forgot a photo ID at the polls. Instead they must use a provisional ballot.
*A new law bans the state’s cooperation with feds efforts to detain US citizens when enforcing the National Defense Authorization Act if such detention violates the federal or state constitution or any other law.
* A person convicted of DUI must use an ignition interlock system. After the second conviction, he or she must install interlocks on all household vehicles.
* Schools must keep Epi-Pens on site for medical emergencies arising from acute allergic reactions.
* Local government employees and teachers must contribute 5% of their earnings to their state retirement.
*Expands the list of those who must report child abuse.
*Allows the one-gun-a-month limit to expire. (Aside: Seriously?)
* “Strangulation. Makes strangulation without consent resulting in the wounding or bodily injury of another a Class 6 felony,” according to the RT)
* Motorcycles can ride two-abreast.
* Bans “bath salts” and synthetic marijuana.
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