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NEW STATE LAWS ON THE BOOKS

June 30, 2010 12:35 am

Tomorrow, 877 new laws will go into effect in Virginia.

The laws, passed by the General Assembly during its session at the beginning of the year, cover everything from a locality's ability to cut grass to concealed weapons in bars.

Some of the most significant changes happening this year came in the budget, where lawmakers had to make about $4 billion in cuts to cover a revenue shortfall. The cuts affect nearly every area of government services, but might be most deeply felt in the area of health programs, where services for the elderly and the disabled will see reductions.

Among the changes: CONCEALED GUNS IN RESTAURANTS

Concealed handgun permit holders will be allowed to carry concealed in restaurants that serve alcohol, as long as they don't drink alcohol. Previously they could open carry, but not carry concealed weapons.

Homeowners associations will have much less authority to restrict homeowners from flying the U.S. flag. A bill from Sen. Richard Stuart, R-Westmoreland, says that homeowners can fly the flag in accordance with federal rules. The burden would be on the association to prove limitations are valid.

A new law clarifies that you can wear clothing--or buttons, hats, etc.--bearing campaign slogans into a polling place.

Grown-ups can now buy infants (under age 2) a lifetime fishing license.

A law that might not affect many people now, but could if it's upheld in courts, is the one that says Virginians are exempt from federal government mandates to buy health insurance. It was passed in anticipation of the federal health care reform legislation.

Having a DUI conviction from another state now will also disqualify a person from getting a concealed weapons permit, if the DUI is within the past three years. Those with DUI convictions whose driving privileges were subsequently restricted can now drive to church, according to a bill from Sen. Richard Stuart, R-Westmoreland.

State regulations regarding dam safety have been eased somewhat for existing structures, in a law that was prompted by a dam at Lake of the Woods.

Stuart also had a bill that raises the filing fees charged by civil courts. Another bill adds $10 to criminal court conviction fees, with the money to go to law enforcement efforts against Internet crimes against children.

If you owe the state back taxes, a bill from Del. Mark Cole, R-Spotsylvania, will reduce the amount of time the state has to go after that money, from 20 years to 10.

People with protective orders can seek an extension of that order for up to two years.

New state employees, hired after July 1, will be responsible for a portion of their payments into the state retirement system.

Pyrotechnicians and fireworks operators will have to be certified by the state.

Several new license plates will be available, including one that reads "TRUST WOMEN/RESPECT CHOICE." Part of the money made from selling the plates will go to Planned Parenthood, but is not supposed to be used for abortion services. Other new plates include ones that say "Buy Local," "Friends of Coal" and plates for supporters of recycling, the Professor Garfield Foundation, the Virginia Kids Eat Free program and the Washington Capitals hockey team.

Chelyen Davis: 540/368-5028
Email: cdavis@freelancestar.com