Neighbors,

Two bills I authored to help veterans, as well as a slate of other new laws, will take effect on August 1. The new laws strengthen consumer protections, improve public safety, address our child care crisis, and more. You can find highlights of some of the notable changes below, or you can read a comprehensive list here.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Bruce

The following new laws become effective August 1:

• One bill I authored protects military beneficiaries from falling victim to scams intended to steal their pay or benefits. Another clarifies G.I. Bill options for continuing education.
• The “Safe Seniors Act” will protect senior citizens from financial exploitation.
• A new law cracks down on the use of fake service animals.
• “Little Allen’s Law” closes a loophole in law by expanding the prohibition on operating off-road vehicles following a DWI conviction and eliminating an exemption that allowed drivers to keep their licenses following an off-road vehicle DWI offense.
• New requirements improve police handling of sexual assault examination kits and give victims better access to information about their case.
• A new law aims to prevent sex trafficking by training hotel and motel workers to identify warning signs.
• The Department of Human Services is directed to study potential child care provider reforms after scathing testimony this session.
• Residential contractors and insurance adjusters will be required to provide consumers with written notification in the initial home repair estimate that they cannot cover any part of the insurance deductible.
• The terms of the $850 million 3M settlement are codified in law. The settlement will be used to fund clean drinking water and natural resource projects.
• The “Sibling Bill of Rights” establishes a set of rights for foster care children, including the right to be placed with their siblings when possible and to visit their siblings.
• Unmarried parents filing for joint child custody will have the same rights as divorced parents.
• Health Savings Accounts will be protected from creditors attempting to collect debts.