Dear Neighbors,
This Thursday, August 1st, a number of new laws are set to go into effect. I wanted to take a moment to let you know about some of them.
One of the most notable new laws is the “hands-free” law, which prohibits holding cell phones and other wireless communication devices while behind the wheel of a car. The new law allows drivers to use a cell phone to make calls, text, listen to music and get directions, but only by voice commands or single-touch activation without holding the phone.
There are exceptions for obtaining emergency assistance if there is an immediate threat to life and safety, or when in an authorized emergency vehicle while performing official duties.
Other new laws beginning August 1st include:
- The omnibus transportation bill included a provision requiring slow vehicles to stay on the right side of the road, and moving out of the left-most lane to allow others to pass when practicable, with some exceptions.
- A new law allows an officer to issue a citation to a driver if a work zone flagger has reported a traffic violation, such as speeding or violating traffic flagger directions, if the citation is issued within 4 hours of the violation.
- Light rail train drivers will now be subject to reckless and careless driving laws, with penalties of a fine of up to $3,000 and imprisonment for up to one year if a violation causes great bodily harm or death.
- There is a new requirement that Beginning Farmer Loan borrowers must be enrolled in a farm management program or have completed one within their first 10 years of farming.
- More people will be allowed to administer Epi-Pens to help someone having an allergic reaction – now, “authorized individuals” will include people who successfully completes a training program.
- Provider-based clinics will now need to disclose facility fees for nonemergency services before treatment – this law is intended to ensure patients are not surprised by separate charges related to the use of the facility, which result in higher out-of-pocket costs.
- A new law prohibits retaliation against residents or employees of a nursing home or a housing with services establishment who intends to file a complaint, reports maltreatment, or participates in a legal proceeding, among other protected activities.
- Community emergency medical technicians will now be permitted to serve on a basic life support ambulance service, and services provided by community paramedics via telemedicine will now be covered under Medical Assistance.
- Applicants for permits, licenses, or other approval related to real estate development or construction may now request a non-binding estimate of the consulting fees they will be charged by a city related to their application.
- If a person fails a test to determine if they are operating a motor vehicle under the influence, their snowmobile, ATV, and motorboat operating privileges will now be revoked.
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As always, if you have a question about a particular law change, please contact my office. My door is always open to the needs and priorities of our area. Please feel free to let me know if I can be of assistance to you or your family. I am here to serve you!
Sincerely,
Deb