New Laws Go Into Effect: What's New in VA

by: KathyinBlacksburg

Sun Jul 01, 2012 at 12:56:25 PM EDT

* As the Roanoke Times reports, a new law "Creates a cause of action for the wrongful death of a fetus caused by the wrongful act, neglect or default of another. No cause of action can be brought against the natural mother." (Aside: Does this mean that if a woman miscarries coincident with an emotional trauma she can look to criminally blame someone for her loss? It sounds to vague to me.  What do the lawyers out there say?)

*Voters can no longer sign an affidavit when they forgot a photo ID at the polls. Instead they must use a provisional ballot.

* A person convicted of DUI must use an ignition interlock system. After the second conviction, he or she must install interlocks on all household vehicles.

* Schools must keep Epi-Pens on site for medical emergencies arising from acute allergic reactions.

* Local government employees and teachers must contribute 5% of their earnings to their state retirement.

*Expands the list of those who must report child abuse.

*Allows the one-gun-a-month limit to expire. (Aside: Seriously?)

* "Strangulation. Makes strangulation without consent resulting in the wounding or bodily injury of another a Class 6 felony," according to the RT)

* Motorcycles can ride two-abreast.

* Bans "bath salts" and synthetic marijuana.