NBC29New Virginia Laws Take Effect
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State legislators passed nearly 900 bills during this year's legislative session, most of which will take effect very early Wednesday morning.
The law that will perhaps be the toughest for many Virginians to follow is a measure that bans texting while driving. The new rule makes it illegal to send or read texts and e-mails behind the wheel. If you get caught, get ready to shell out the $25 fine.
Lawmakers in Richmond also gave the OK for local governments to run joint transit systems. The idea came out of a proposal from Charlottesville and Albemarle. But to the dismay of local leaders, the state didn't offer a way to pay for those transportation partnerships.
Off the roads, the General Assembly cleared up elections laws, saying it's now okay to wear campaign tee-shirts, buttons and other items into polling places. A ban on those articles stirred up plenty of controversy and several court battles during the 2008 presidential election. This new law helped convince free speech advocates to drop lawsuits filed against the State Board of Elections.
A whole host of consumer protection laws also hit the books Wednesday, including tougher restrictions on the state's payday lending community. Lawmakers continue to crack down on the industry and the astronomical interest rates that accompany many loans. Another bill requires mortgage lenders and brokers to treat their clients fairly. That measure allows the state attorney general to investigate lenders who don't act in their clients' best interests.
Legislators were able to override Democratic Gov. Tim Kaine's veto to pass a law that makes it easier to get a concealed weapons permit. Gun owners will now be able to get a licence by taking online or video classes.
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