Drivers can't make calls and other new laws
Taking a brief break from the breathless gubernatorial horse race, we'd be remiss to neglect the host of new laws that officially go on the books today.
The one getting the most attention is a new rule barring drivers from talking on cell phones. There's been a lot of coverage of eager rule followers hitting Best Buy to stock up on earpieces for their phones including this story by my colleague Gus Sentementes.
As a reminder, talking on the cell phone is a secondary offense, meaning a driver has to be breaking another rule (like speeding or having one light out) before triggering a citation.
Asking the two gubernatorial candidates about for their take on the rule we found some common ground. Democratic Gov. Martin O'Malley, who signed the bill into law, told my colleague Julie Bykowicz this week that the new law is "important" and added that "distracted driving leads to death."
He noted that he has a driver and is rarely behind the wheel, but said that his two driving-age daughters "better be ready."
Challenger Robert L. Ehrlich, the Republican former governor, is also being driven around this campaign season. When asked about the new law he also talked about his children, saying he plans to teach his sons drew and josh to be careful on the roads when the boys turn 16. "It is all common sense," Ehrlich said. "I hope everyone pays attention to the law and drives safely."
Another new rule that drivers have to give at least three feet of space to bikers when passing (we are curious to see how this ends up working on the crowded Baltimore streets) and others listed after the jump.
The one getting the most attention is a new rule barring drivers from talking on cell phones. There's been a lot of coverage of eager rule followers hitting Best Buy to stock up on earpieces for their phones including this story by my colleague Gus Sentementes.
As a reminder, talking on the cell phone is a secondary offense, meaning a driver has to be breaking another rule (like speeding or having one light out) before triggering a citation.
Asking the two gubernatorial candidates about for their take on the rule we found some common ground. Democratic Gov. Martin O'Malley, who signed the bill into law, told my colleague Julie Bykowicz this week that the new law is "important" and added that "distracted driving leads to death."
He noted that he has a driver and is rarely behind the wheel, but said that his two driving-age daughters "better be ready."
Challenger Robert L. Ehrlich, the Republican former governor, is also being driven around this campaign season. When asked about the new law he also talked about his children, saying he plans to teach his sons drew and josh to be careful on the roads when the boys turn 16. "It is all common sense," Ehrlich said. "I hope everyone pays attention to the law and drives safely."
Another new rule that drivers have to give at least three feet of space to bikers when passing (we are curious to see how this ends up working on the crowded Baltimore streets) and others listed after the jump.
Sex offenders: Convicts will see longer mandatory sentences. In some cases the minimum prison sentence will go from five to 15 years.
Gang prosecution: A new measure expands the base of crimes that trigger a 2-year-old anti-gang statute.
Bicycle safety: Drivers must give a 3-foot berth when passing bicyclists.
False health claims act: The state may file civil lawsuits cracking down on Medicaid fraud.
Incarceration representation: For the purposes of legislative redistricting, inmates will be counted at their last known address instead of the city or town in which they are incarcerated.
B-Corp: Creates a new business entity intended to give boards of directors legal protections for making socially conscious business decisions.
Dirt bikes: Gas station operators may no longer sell gasoline to fuel dirt bikes.
Child support guidelines: The first major revision to child support rates in two decades will mean most noncustodial parents will pay more, though the new schedule does not affect existing agreements.
Marriage fee: The cost of obtaining a marriage certificate from a Baltimore court increases from $25 to $75 marriage. Additional revenue is to be used for programs to combat domestic violence.
Alternative energy: Drivers of electric cars may use the state's network of high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes even if they have no passengers.
Gang prosecution: A new measure expands the base of crimes that trigger a 2-year-old anti-gang statute.
Bicycle safety: Drivers must give a 3-foot berth when passing bicyclists.
False health claims act: The state may file civil lawsuits cracking down on Medicaid fraud.
Incarceration representation: For the purposes of legislative redistricting, inmates will be counted at their last known address instead of the city or town in which they are incarcerated.
B-Corp: Creates a new business entity intended to give boards of directors legal protections for making socially conscious business decisions.
Dirt bikes: Gas station operators may no longer sell gasoline to fuel dirt bikes.
Child support guidelines: The first major revision to child support rates in two decades will mean most noncustodial parents will pay more, though the new schedule does not affect existing agreements.
Marriage fee: The cost of obtaining a marriage certificate from a Baltimore court increases from $25 to $75 marriage. Additional revenue is to be used for programs to combat domestic violence.
Alternative energy: Drivers of electric cars may use the state's network of high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes even if they have no passengers.
