The most important laws that have come into force in different states

At the beginning of 2019, many new laws came into force throughout the country. States and cities have enacted legislation on the environment, arms control, public health, women's rights and transgender people. Here are the most important ones.

Photo: depositphotos.com

Purchase and storage of weapons

Washington State forbade people younger than 21 to buy semi-automatic assault rifles, writes The Guardian. The law was passed by voters as a ballot measure in November. Previously, the minimum age requirement of 21 was already in place for pistols, now rifles have been added. Gun rights advocates filed a lawsuit seeking to stop the law. The new rules also require stricter background checks when purchasing assault rifles, and impose strict requirements for the safe storage of weapons - but these details will not take effect until July.

Women on the board

California law, enacted on January 1, requires public companies include women on boards. By the end of 2019, every corporation will have to have at least one woman sit on its board of directors, and by the end of 2021, at least three, depending on the number of board seats. Other laws enacted in the state require employers to offer harassment training and prohibit secret arrangements to cover up cases of sexual assault and harassment.

Third floor

In New York, people who do not identify with men or women can now change your gender to "X" in the birth certificate. California offers the same option for state driving licenses and ID cards, allowing residents to choose a third, non-binary gender option.

Minimum age of marriage

The law of the State of New Hampshire came into force, according to which the minimum age for marriage increased from 13 to 16 years for girls and to 14 years for boys. 19-year-old state spokeswoman Cassie Levesque began to push for change as part of the Scout project, but they failed at first: one of the lawmakers said that she did not see the need to change the law based on a request from a minor. Last year, the bill was passed, Levesque ran for the state legislature and won. Now she intends to work on raising the age of marriage to 18 years.

The right to vote for prisoners

A voter-approved measure to restore voting rights to former felons is set to take effect Tuesday in Florida. The amendment allows felons, other than those who have committed sex crimes or murder, to vote again in elections after they have completed their parole and probation. The amendment is now in limbo—incoming Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis says the Legislature must approve specific rules before the changes take effect. Some local commissions plan to begin registering ex-felons as voters anyway.

The ban on foam

In the city of New York banned the use of polystyrene foam (foam)of which foam containers, coffee cups, peanut packaging are made. The city authorities consider this substance ecologically harmful and not amenable to utilization.

Questions about previous earnings

Connecticut and Hawaii have banned employers from questioning candidates about the history of their previous earnings. This was done to combat the pay gap between men and women. Lawyers say that the appointment of salaries based on previous numbers can lead to underpayment, which systematically accompanies women throughout their careers.

Ban on the sale of club animals

In California, came into force a law prohibiting pet stores sell dogs, cats and rabbits obtained from private breeders. Only animals arriving from shelters or non-profit rescue organizations are subject to sale. This measure is designed to combat the so-called puppy factories, where animals are raised in poor conditions for profit.

Also in California, pets will now be treated as family members in divorce cases, with judges allowed to award custody based on the animal's interests (previously the court assumed the animal was property).

Toilets care products

In New York State, single-sex public restrooms will be required to have changing tables in new and renovated buildings. The measure addresses complaints that men's restrooms often lacked space for dads to change their children, with such facilities only available to women.

Unanimous jury trial

To convict a person for a serious crime committed since the beginning of 2019, a unanimous jury verdict will be necessary in Louisiana. The law of the era of Jim Crow said that for most crimes the accused was found guilty if 10 from 12 jury voted for conviction.

Abortion Insurance

In Washington, a law has entered into force requiring health insurance companies that offer coverage of maternity services also pay for abortions.

Moving to Vermont

Vermont is now accepting applications from people who want get up to 10 thousand US dollars for moving to the state. Governor Phil Scott signed the law last spring, seeking to support the thinning and aging population of the state. To qualify for money, up to 5000 dollars a year for two years, candidates must be full-time employees of a company located outside Vermont and work remotely while they live in the state. Money is not a grant without restrictions, but with their help the applicant will be able to pay for the relocation, computer equipment and broadband access to the Network.

Service animals

In Washington State, 2019 will begin to punish people who give out their pets for trained service animals. This measure is being taken to protect people with disabilities who, because of such abuses, find it harder to get the help they need from service animals.

Taxation of alimony

Since January 1, 2019, a law has been passed throughout the United States that changes the rules for taxation of alimony. Congress abolished the right of the alimony payer to deduct their amount from taxes. This rule has been in effect for 75 years. This change also provides that those who receive alimony no longer have to pay taxes on them.

Shopping on the Internet

Internet buyers in six states — Georgia, Iowa, Louisiana, Nebraska, Utah, and West Virginia — have to pay sales taxes for 1 January for products they purchased online from retailers registered outside of these states.

Selling beer

And in Colorado, all types of beer are now sold in grocery stores and in retail outlets, where previously only alcoholic beverages were allowed to be sold. This restriction has expired in the last hours of the 2018 of the year.

Here are 19 new laws that came into force in New York and New Jersey from 1 January 2019 year.

Read also on ForumDaily:

Where to immigrate to the USA: how to choose the best state

The Supreme Court forbade Trump to deny illegal rights to asylum in the US

In the USA, the main word of 2018 was chosen.

A temporary marriage green card can now be exchanged for a permanent one without an interview.

Trump proposes to introduce a fee for those who want to seek asylum in the US

In New Jersey will carry out hard immigration raids

Do you want more important and interesting news about life in the USA and immigration to America? — support us donate! Also subscribe to our page Facebook. Select the “Priority in display” option and read us first. Also, don't forget to subscribe to our РєР ° РЅР ° Р »РІ Telegram  and Instagram- there is a lot of interesting things there. And join thousands of readers ForumDaily New York — there you will find a lot of interesting and positive information about life in the metropolis.