Health and Security laws take effect in 2010

One could imagine that in the beginning of the new year, there would be spouts of optimism for the country and it's health. In a way this is true, as according to CNN, state legislatures enacted in a total of 40,697 laws, many of which took place on the 1st of January, many created as responses to previous problems with cell phones, tanning, trans fat servings, lighters, and smoking.
For instance, New Hampshire, Oregon and Illinois have recently joined 16 other states that prohibit motorists from sending text messages while driving. Gloria Wilhelm fought for the Illinois law after her son, Matt, was struck and killed while he was riding his bike by a driver who was downloading cell phone ring tones. She describes those who use cell phones are, "incredibly selfish and dangerous behaviors."
In Texas, there is a new law forbidding teenagers under 16.5 years of age from tanning. Those 16.5 to 18 must be accompanied by an adult. This is certainty a step in the right direction for Texas, as many recent studies have concluded correlations with excessive exposure to UV rays and skin cancer. This will be a proactive way to prevent teens from divulging in tanning at such an early age where the allure of fitting in overrides their desire to remain healthy.
As another example of state laws changing to become active on their citizen's health, a newly enstated California measure limits trans fat in restaurant food also takes effect January 1. It requires eateries to use oils, margarines and shortenings that have less than half a gram of trans fat per serving. A similar provision will apply to baked goods in 2011.
Another law is that of Louisiana, which will now forbid any lighters that may appear appealing to children, i.e., lighting up or in the shape of animals or characters from being sold. Another good step in the right direction.
In addition, a statewide smoking ban in bars and restaurants that will take effect in North Carolina, the nation's biggest producer of tobacco.
All in all, many individual states are taking a significant jump to help protect their citizens by enforcing safety and health provisions. Overall, the United States of America has made sufficient laws so that the year 2010 pointed in the correct direction, instilling hope in the quality of American life.

http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/01/01/new.laws/index.html