New Year, New Laws: Measures That Take Effect in 2013

More than 400 measures were enacted at the state level throughout the nation in 2012 and will become law with the new year, according to a Huffington Post report quoting the National Conference of Legislatures.

"Some of the statutes, which deal with everything from consumer protection to gun control and healthcare, take effect at the stroke of midnight," the repor notes. "Others will not kick in until later in the year."

The raft of measures includes a new abortion restriction in New Hampshire, public-employee pension reform in California and Alabama, same-sex marriage in Maryland, and a requirement that private insurers in Alaska cover autism in kids and young adults, NCSL said.

Here in Florida, ABC Action News reports on measures that will effect Greater Brandon area residents, including measures concerning flashing headlights, speed-trap warnings, identification cards for the homeless, specialty tags for Vietnam veterans and soldiers who earned the Combat Infantry Badge.  

• See New Florida Laws for 2013 Permits Headlight Flashing Warnings