Over 400 new laws are now in effect across the state

Over 400 new laws went into effect in the State of Louisiana Wednesday. These laws were enacted during this past Regular Session of the state’s legislature and deal with a variety of issues ranging from hazing to having switchblade knives.
One of the biggest pieces of legislation that became effective on August 1 was the Maxwell Gruver Act. KPLC-TV reported, “This comes after the controversial death of LSU freshman Maxwell Gruver… an 18 year old that died after fraternity hazing. The new act allows for a felony charge and up to five years of prison after a serious injury or death.”
The Lake Charles television station also reported about a new law regarding pets during hurricanes. “Pet owners can now face legal trouble if you tether your animals to anything during a flood or hurricane,” it said on its Website. “Lawmakers said leaving your pets tied up gives them minimal chance of survival during a natural disaster.”
Another big law that went into effect deals with schools now being required to pass to parents information on cases of the flu virus. “There can’t be enough education for anybody about the flu vaccine, so I think it would be very helpful to have that kind of access at school,” Pediatrician Margaret Patterson said. “We don’t get to see everybody throughout the year at all times, and obviously schools have more access to parents than we do, so the more that parents can get educated about the flu vaccine, the better it is.”
According to KPLC-TV, “This law is aimed to help keep students and teachers healthier, especially since coming in contact with other students at school is one of the easiest ways to spread the flu.”
The following is a recap of some of the other laws:
People carrying concealed weapons will now find it easier to carry their weapons into places of worship and closer to campuses of schools and universities.
Couples wishing to obtain a marriage license will now have to wait 24 hours until the ceremony as opposed to 72 hours.
Public schools are now required to distribute information regarding the “addictive and destructive nature” of pornography, sexual cyberbullying and “the dangers of internet interaction” with strangers.
Pharmacists can now share with customers information about cheaper prescription alternatives.
Switchblades, spring blades, and other knives that unfold using a button are now easier to own after being generally prohibited across the state.
Commercial DNA testing companies are now required to be more transparent with the public as to what is going to be done with the results.
Teachers, social workers, and psychologists will now have the opportunity to be offered parental leave for up to 30 days after adopting a child.
Gamblers on a winning streak are now prohibited from being removed from a casino.
The complete list of the 430-laws can be viewed at http://www.legis.la.gov/legis/ActEffectiveDates.aspx?sid=18RS.