New laws target abortion, immigration, alcohol and animals

Almost 40,000 laws were enacted in 2011. Among them is a controversial California provision requiring that schools add “lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Americans” to the list of those whose contributions “to the development of California and the United States” must be taught in schools.

Also, Delaware and Hawaii have laws that make same-sex couples eligible for civil unions and grant them the same rights and benefits as married couples under the law.

Next, in New Hampshire, minors will have to inform a parent before getting an abortion or seek a court order to avoid parental notification.

California is prohibiting any local or state government office from requiring that employers use E-Verify, unless it is required by federal law as a condition of receiving federal funds.

Some laws ahead for the new year focus on health issues. One in California prohibits the production or sale of beer to which caffeine has been added. Another in the state would prohibit the sale of dextromethorphan, or DXM, to minors without a prescription.

In Oregon, they are requiring state colleges and universities to waive tuition and fees for foster children under age 25.

(아주경제 송지영 기자)

Park Sae-jin swatchsjp@ajunews.com