New Laws starting in January 2012

A new law inspired by last year’s city of Bell scandal, in which administrators awarded themselves exorbitant salaries, defrauding the city of millions of dollars:
In order for local officials to collect compensation for simultaneous or serial meetings, a clerk or member of the legislative body must VERBALLY announce any compensation or stipend an official will receive as a result of a second meeting.

I myself, would like this "town crier" approach to apply to everything they receive monetarily- "HERE YE, HERE YE, 199 DOLLARS COMPENSATED FOR WALKING TO THEIR CAR IN THE PARKING LOT LAST NIGHT"
___________________________________________________________________________
It is now a misdemeanor to carry an exposed and unloaded handgun while in any public place.

Who was doing that?
so, kids under 6, put away those water pistols when you are going to the store for a candy bar
___________________________________________________________________________

Tanning beds are also now barred to anyone under 18.

say what? put off any potential medical issues. That issue is now illegal in California since the parents allow it

___________________________________________________________________________

It is now illegal to sell live animals along the street, highway, public right-of-way, in a parking lot, carnival, or boardwalk.

Does that include Nanny Goats?

NOW TAX DEDUCTIBLE- visit a local animal shelter, and make a contribution to spay and neuter services

The sale and possession of shark fins is now illegal except in permitted scientific and commercial purposes. But, restaurants can possess and sell shark fins purchased before Jan. 1, 2012 until Jan. 1, 2013

__________________________________________________________________________

Impounding a vehicle at a sobriety checkpoint is now prohibited if the driver’s only offense is not having their license. The law hopes to combat the previous misuse of sobriety checkpoints set up in Hispanic communities targeting people ineligible to receive a license.

But, their immigration status will be checked and they will be deported if not here legally-whoops, sorry, that's my dream act.