Take A Glance: New Laws Taking Effect In Md. On Tuesday
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- Here is a glance at new laws taking effect in Maryland on Tuesday:
CELL PHONES-DRIVING -- Talking on a hand-held cell phone will become a primary offense. That means police will be able to pull over drivers and ticket them solely for talking on a hand-held cell phone while driving.
CYBERBULLYING -- A new law prohibits people from using an interactive computer server to inflict serious emotional distress on a minor.
DEATH PENALTY REPEAL -- Maryland is banning capital punishment.
DRUGS-NEWBORNS -- Health care practitioners who deliver babies will be required to report to a local agency if newborns have been exposed to illegal drugs.
GUN CONTROL -- Maryland is banning 45 types of assault weapons, limiting gun magazines to 10 bullets and requiring handgun buyers to be fingerprinted. Opponents tried to stop the law from taking effect, but a federal judge refused to block it.
PREGNANCY-WORKPLACE -- Maryland law will require employers with 15 or more employees to make reasonable accommodations for disabilities due to pregnancy.
SEAT BELTS -- Drivers or passengers riding in the front seats of a car will be required to wear a seat belt, and police will be able to pull violators over and ticket them $50.
SHARK FINS -- Shark fin sales will be banned in Maryland.
SWIMMING POOLS-DEFFIBRILLATORS -- Counties or municipalities that own or operate a swimming pool will need to a program to implement an external defibrillator program.
(Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
