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Texting, Research Laws to Hit Calif. in New Year

Student journalists, bottled water also targeted by lawmakers

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 29, 2008 3:40 PM CST

(Newser) – A texting-while-driving ban isn’t the only new law Californians will wake up to on Jan. 1. The San Francisco Chronicle lists some other new regulations:

  • Drivers can now mount a GPS system in the lower corners of their windshields.
  • It will become a crime to publish the names or addresses of individuals involved in animal research.

  • Student journalists will have stronger protections from school officials who seek to demote or fire them because of what they’ve published. 
  • People looking to redeem large amounts of recyclables will have to show ID and be paid with a check.
  • Bottled water firms must list the source of the water on the bottle and provide a website where consumers can read a report on its quality.

A driver talks on a cell phone while driving in Newark, N.J., Thursday, Feb 28, 2008.
A driver talks on a cell phone while driving in Newark, N.J., Thursday, Feb 28, 2008.   (AP Photo/Mike Derer)
Charles Rombold texts a friend while standing next to his vehicle in Lawrence, Kan., Monday, April 28, 2008.
Charles Rombold texts a friend while standing next to his vehicle in Lawrence, Kan., Monday, April 28, 2008.   (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)
Charles Rombold texts a friend while standing next to his vehicle in Lawrence, Kan., Monday, April 28, 2008.
Charles Rombold texts a friend while standing next to his vehicle in Lawrence, Kan., Monday, April 28, 2008.   (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)
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