FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
With a new year comes new rules.
In fact, 31 states are out with new laws that go into effect this year, that's according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. One of the most common changes: 14 states raised the minimum wage.
Some of other laws include:
– The mortgage crisis means lenders in Colorado will have to better evaluate borrowers. Also, delinquent borrowers will get more months to get caught up.
– Illinois is mandating energy-efficient light bulbs in buildings larger than one-thousand square feet.
– Connecticut is expanding tax breaks for fuel-efficient cars.
– Arizona is stripping licenses from businesses that knowingly hire illegal aliens.
– California is making it illegal to smoke in a car if a child is inside.
– Washington state is banning text messaging while driving.
– And here in New York, there is a new airline passenger bill of rights… meaning you no longer can be trapped on a plane for more than three hours without getting food, water, air and clean restrooms.
Here’s my question to you:
What new law would you enact in your state?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Steve writes:
I would ban smoking for all public employees and double the fine if that employee is in uniform (police, firemen, etc.). They are role models for children.
Jody from West Virginia writes:
I would want my state and the entire United States to make English the official language. In my state, I would like all the illegals to be rounded up. I know where they all are, why doesn't the government?
Mary from Illinois writes:
I think that talking on a cell phone while driving should be illegal. Maybe there should be some kind of limit on talking on a cell phone in public. I get so tired of hearing other people's conversations in restaurants, grocery stores and on the train. Are we getting so dependent on other people that we can't even shop for groceries without talking to someone on the phone?
Nancy from Arizona writes:
We need a law that requires builders of homes more than 2,000 sq. ft and all commercial buildings to put solar panels on the roof. We have lots of sunshine and we should make use of it.
Shirley from Delray Beach, Florida writes:
I would enact the 'bad driver' lane. There would be a special lane designated for people with bad driving skills, and that way, they could all see what the heck we are all talking about… Different offenses would equal the amount of time you have to be in there. Believe me, one day in that lane, and you would instantly become a better driver the rest of your days here in California.
Jay from Irvine, California writes:
I live in Florida. Maybe a law making it mandatory to count all of the votes both parties.
Derek from Wisconsin writes:
Wisconsin should have a law that prevents politicians from recording messages, then calling me at dinner time to play it back to me.