New Year, New Set of Laws in California and Nevada

With hundreds of new laws every year for the past 45 years, one might wonder if anyone knows them all or can keep track of the changes. There are new laws on the books for both California (800 new laws) and Nevada (45 new laws) that Lake Tahoe residents might want to brush up on.

Here is an overview of some of them:

California

Motorists are prohibitied from passing a bicycle with less than three feet between any part of the vehicle and any part of the bicycle or driver. When three feet is not possible, the motor vehicle must slow to a reasonable and prudent speed and only pass when no danger is present to the bicyclist. Failing to do so can incur a fine, regardless of a collision or not. This law will go into effect September 16, 2014.

Drivers of electric cars and low-emission vehicles will get an additional four years to use carpool lanes while alone.

Law enforcement now has to request activation of the AMBER Alerts after receiving a report that a child has been taken abducted by anyone, including a custodial parent or guardian, who may cause serious bodily injury or death to the child.

A person who is under 18 years of age is prohibited from using an electronic wireless communications device to write, send, or read a text-based communication while driving in California, even if it is equipped with a hands-free device.

People who impersonate others on the Internet to embarrass a spouse or romantic partner may face a domestic-violence restraining order.

School superintendents may face discipline if they refuse or willfully neglect to report teacher misconduct to the state.

Scalpers cannot use ticket-buying software, or "bots," that can purchase hundreds of the best seats to concerts and sporting events seconds after they go on sale online.

Stricter gun controls: A five-year ban on firearm possession by anyone who makes serious threats of violence to psychotherapists. The law requires those mental health professionals to notify law enforcement of such threats within 24 hours. Also, kits enabling ammunition magazines to be altered to hold more than 10 rounds are not allowed; Guns must be locked up in homes where felons and the mentally ill reside; those who use rifles are required to undergo safety training.

It is a crime for employers to induce fear in workers by threatening to report their immigration status if they complain about working conditions.

The state Department of Motor Vehicles is allowed to test the use of license plates with changeable digital screens and wireless capability.

Employers are required to provide time-and-a-half pay for nannies, private health aides and some other domestic workers if they work more than nine hours in a day or 45 hours in a week.

When a permit is required for alterations to single-family homes built more than 20 years ago, old toilets, faucets and shower heads must be replaced with fixtures meeting water-saving standards.

Students are entitled to compete on gender-specific sports teams, and use locker rooms and restrooms, based on their gender identity rather than their sex. This law could be put on hold if a proposed referendum on it qualifies for the statewide ballot.

The income limit for Cal-Fresh eligibility is changed, allowing 227,000 more people to participate in the food stamp program.

Nevada

In Nevada there are 45 new laws and the one getting the biggest news is the fact that undocumented residents may now obtain a Driving Authorization Card. Applicants need to supply proof of identity and of residency and all of their papers need to be translated by one of the translators on the DMV's website before they can be processed. And all information is protected so that it can't be transferred to immigration officials. California passed a similar new law but they have until 1-1-15 to prepare for the change.

In order to save money, the state of Nevada has now created an 8 year cycle for driver's licenses instead of 4 years in order to save money. They have also initiated a tax credit for the movie industry in order to spark business in Nevada. They also have an earlier opening date to candidate filing season which starts January 6. Another new law requires that advertisements by health care professionals include a list of licenses and certifications he or she holds. The professional also must display information about the licenses in his or her office.