Neighbors,

I hope you are enjoying your summer. I wanted to take a moment to alert you to a number of new laws that will go into effect on August 1. You can find a partial list of the changes below, but if you’re interested in reading a more comprehensive list, you can do so here.

The list includes three laws I authored: one creates a new Bill of Rights for siblings in foster care; another strengthens the way police handle sexual assault examination kits and gives victims more information; and a third makes small changes to a program that protects survivors of domestic violence.

If you have any questions about these laws, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Have a safe and happy summer and remember to wear your life jackets when boating or engaging in other water sports.

Sincerely,

Jerry

 

The following new laws become effective August 1:

• Three new laws I authored: one adds new requirements improve police handling of sexual assault examination kits and give victims better access to information about their case; 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; and another makes small modifications to the Safe at Home Program.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Military beneficiaries will be protected from falling victim to scams intended to steal their pay or benefits.
• I. Bill options for continuing education are clarified.