Diapers, jaywalking and Barack Obama Day: Laws for the New Year
A roundup of unusual laws going into effect in 2018.
— -- When the clock struck midnight calendars weren't the only things changing. A series of new state and city laws also make their debut in the new year.
From requiring at least one diaper changing station to the celebration of Barack Obama day, here’s a look at some of 2018’s most interesting new local laws:
CALIFORNIA
Diaper changing stations for all
The Golden State is all about the diapers in 2018.
One of the two soon-to-be laws will require state and local agencies, as well as public venues such as restaurants and movie theaters, to provide at least one diaper changing station that is accessible to both men and women.
Jaywalk with no fear
“Don’t walk” or “wait” will soon have a new meaning in California.
Pedestrians can no longer be issued a ticket for jaywalking. Instead, those who cross safely, are free to proceed.
ILLINOIS
Pet custody in judges' hands
Divorcing couples who can’t agree on who keeps the pet will have one less thing to worry about, as the decision will now be put into a judges’ hands.
The judge will decide who gets custody or partial custody based on a couple of different factors, such as who cares for the pet on a daily basis, spends the big bucks on the fancy feasts and keeps up with the vaccinations.
Barack Obama Day
The Prairie State designated every Aug. 4 as Barack Obama Day to honor the fellow Chicagoan's legacy in the Illinois State Senate, United States Senate and presidency.
Aug. 4 also happens to be the 44th president’s birthday.
OREGON
Nurse practitioners to perform vasectomies
Oregon’s House of Representatives voted to allow licensed nurse practitioners to perform vasectomies.
The controversial ruling has some urologists in the state up in arms and they argue the procedure is much more complicated than it may seem.
TEXAS
For the love of milk
Everything’s bigger in Texas, including the number of pounds allowed to transport milk.
The current law caps milk transport at 80,000 pounds, but fear no more, the limit has been raised to 90,000.