NEW CALIFORNIA LAWS

TAXES:

The vehicle license fee or "car tax" decreases by 25%.

The cigarette tax increases 50 cents a pack, due to Proposition 10.

The income tax dependent credit drops from $253 for 1998 to $227 for 1999 tax year.

The top income for senior citizen property tax reimbursement increases from $13,200 to about $33,000.
CRIME:

It is a misdemeanor to supervise or recruit a prostitute.

Cities and counties can regulate adult performances in "juice bars" where alcohol is not served.

Adults who buy liquor for minors can get a six-month jail sentence and a $1,000 fine.

People convicted of a violent felony cannot legally buy, own or possess body armor.

Penalties increase for fleeing a police officer or chasing someone and causing serious injury or death.

Celebrities can go into court and seek civil damages against photographers who invade their privacy.

Radar jamming devices are prohibited.

Cyberstalking, or stalking through a computer, is specified in stalking and harassment laws.

Hate crime law covers crimes committed because of someone's gender or perceived gender, such as transgendered people.
SCHOOLS:

School districts must write new retention and promotion policies.

The number of experimental charter schools allowed increases from 100 to 250 this school year and to 350 next school year.

Courses at teaching colleges must reflect new state standards in language, math, science and social sciences.

ANIMALS:

Counseling is a requirement for probation for anyone convicted of killing or abusing an animal.

Circus owners must notify local humane society officials before the circus comes to town.

The fine for possessing or selling bear parts is $250 per part.

Animal shelters must keep animals longer before killing them.
CONSUMERS:

Authenticity certificates for sports memorabilia must have specific information and a serial number to protect buyers.

Individuals can scatter cremated remains anywhere on land with permission of the land owner, and anywhere more than 500 yards from the beach.

Sweepstakes companies must not imply in their mailings that people have won prizes when they have not, and must not require consumers to use 900 numbers, which cost money, to claim supposed winnings.

Car firms cannot require motorists who settle lawsuits over defective "lemon" cars to not disclose details of the settlement.
HEALTH:

A new red-ribbon license plate raises money for AIDS research.

Health insurance plans must cover reasonable hospital stays for mastectomies, direct access to obstetricians and gynecologists, reconstructive surgery, prostate cancer screening and pain management.
LABOR:

Employers cannot charge application fees to people looking for jobs.

Injured workers can use worker's compensation benefits for acupuncture.

Employers cannot discriminate in employment because of genetic characteristics.

Employers cannot photograph or tape workers in locker rooms or restrooms.
OTHER:

The Highway Patrol can stop trucks hauling kitchen grease and require proof of ownership.

Outdated laws, such as the World War II-era crime of forging ration coupons, are repealed.

Internet providers can seek civil damages to prevent unsolicited e-mail advertisements, known as "spam."

Agencies seeking volunteers cannot discriminate against people over 60 years old.