Make Room for Cyclists: New Laws Take Effect Today

A number of new state laws signed by Gov. Nathan Deal are now in effect across Georgia, from changes in child booster seat laws to the highly controversial Sunday alcohol sales and immigration laws.

Here are some of the new laws:

HB 87 - Illegal Immigration Reform and Enforcement Act of 2011. Penalizes those who use fake identification to get a job in the state of Georgia. Also penalizes government officials who violate state laws on immigration enforcement. Some provisions have been by a federal judge.

HB 101 - Makes it safer for riders and drivers on roads by requiring drivers to pass cyclists by at least three feet, among other things.

HB 179 - Allows owners of billboards on state highways to clear trees and other vegetation that may be blocking drivers' views of the signs.

HB 200 - Discourages human trafficking for labor or sexual servitude, increase fines and times of sentences to those convicted of human trafficking. Provides training to law enforcement officers investigating human trafficking crimes and repeal conflicting laws concerning this issue.

HB 266 - Allows constables to carry weapons under certain circumstances.

HB 500 - Establishes an Employment Readiness Program for Georgia's unemployed.

SB 10 - Alcoholic Beverages; if approved by referendum; each county may authorize package sales by a retailer on Sundays. This law allows counties and municipalities to vote on if they will allow retailers to sell alcohol on Sundays between 12:30pm and 11:30pm.

SB 88 -  Raises the age requirements for children riding in booster seats from six to eight.

To see more bills signed into law by Gov. Deal this year, see the Georgia General Assembly's website.