Teenagers entering college or even simply looking to get a tan this New Year ...will have to follow new laws.
Like many other states across the country ... new laws have kicked in on the first day of 2010 in Texas.
Our Annette Garcia has a few you should be aware of.
State officials hoping to snuff out fires before they start ... with one of several new laws this year.
Cigarettes must be fire -safe.
New cigarettes in store shelves now ... include special paper ... designed of self extinguishing materials... Meaning if no one's smoking it ... it goes out faster.
Eloy Vega, Laredo Fire Department
“Definitely without a doubt this is something that is going to be very positive and is going to go a long way in reducing the number of brush fires we see each year.”
Teenage tanning in Texas may not be as easy.
Kim, Agrees with tanning law
“It might be a little strict but I guess parents should know what their teenagers are doing.”
Some local tanning salons already require parental consent ... but now Texas law mandates teenagers under 18 have written permission from a parent or guardian to tan.
Any teen under 16 and a half ... is prohibited from tanning.
Annette Garcia, agarcia@pro8news.com
“Planning on picking up that cell phone .. think twice .. authorities will be watching.”
Laredo police have been enforcing the no texting ... no talking in active school zones law for quite some time now.... but many other Texas cities had a grace period ... allowing for time to post the signs.
Now ... they aren't taking any excuses ... be advised.
Hands free options ... are ok.
And finally ... college students listen up.
Freshman and transfer students looking to live on campus in Texas ... will now be required to have a doctors note ... proving they've been vaccinated against bacterial meningitis thanks to state law HB 4189.
Maria Moreno, Parent of college student
“I think it’s an excellent idea... I myself had my kids immunized when they were gone go to college.”
Annette Garcia, Pro 8 News.
Property appraisals may also be impacted because of new laws.
Appraisers must now take foreclosures in the area into account when appraising properties.
Also ... smoke detectors that can alert a hearing impaired person will be required to be installed if requested by the tenant.