Lydia的生活觀察筆記

CALIFORNIA New laws to change lives at basic level

Many Californians will notice changes as legislators' efforts come to fruition on Monday

• Motorists must use hands-free devices when driving and talking on a cell phone at the same time. However, the new law doesn't go into effect until July 1, 2008. Violators will face a $20 fine for a first offense and a $50 fine for each subsequent offense.

• Smoking in Vehicles with minor passengers makes it an infraction punishable by a fine not exceeding one hundred dollars ($100) for a person to smoke a pipe, cigar, or cigarette in a motor vehicle any time a minor is present in the vehicle.

• Another health-related law comes from a bill by Assemblyman Bill Emmerson, R-Redland (San Bernardino County), that will require public school students to have a dental examination before entering kindergarten or first grade unless their parents object.

• A law designed to stiffen the penalties for pet owners who leave their animals in cars parked in the sun, and another that makes it illegal to tie a dog to a stationary object for more than three hours.

• Supporters of the new dog-tethering law have argued that long-term tethering makes dogs more aggressive and more likely to bite. Depending on the specific offense, violation of this new law could result in an infraction or misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $1,000 per dog and up to six months in county jail.

• There are some exceptions to the law, which allows for dogs to be tied to a pulley system; tethering to allow owners to complete temporary tasks; or on farms if it's necessary for the animal's safety.

 • The other pet law gives animal control officers authority to break into cars to save pets that are in distress, such as those inside vehicles parked outside in the sun. Previously, they would have had to call a law enforcement officer to enter the vehicle to save the animal.

 • Under the new law, the owner of an unattended hot vehicle containing a pet will face a fine of up to $500 and as much as six months in jail.