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Right about around the time when a teenager gets their driver’s license, parents and teachers start talking more and more to them about how important it is to keep that law, along with sharing some of the consequences that arise when they don’t. What a lot of adults may not be aware of is that over the past several months, there were some laws, in certain states, that were passed that don’t just affect young adults, but them as well.
No More Sexting
In Illinois and Connecticut, both teenagers and adults can face misdemeanor charges for sexting; more specifically, for sending or receiving any kind of nude (or semi-nude) pictures.
Stop the Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying resulted in some really unfortunate results, in some cases even suicide, for a lot of people in 2011. So much so that if caught and convicted, it could now earn you probation, community service and/or counseling. California is so strict against it that they have expanded the definition of the word to certain posts that are placed on social media sites, and Illinois now has the right to suspend or even expel a student for posting threats to students or administration on websites.
Regulations on “Bath Salts”
Did you know that is has been reported that one in nine students have tried synthetic marijuana; not just before, but within the past year? Although K2 and Spice are technically “legal drugs”, a dozen states including Florida, Louisiana, Missouri and Tennessee have passed laws banning them on the basis of being synthetic pot, which is illegal. Arizona passed a law last year stating that the possession or selling of Spice is a class two felony. If convicted that brings a minimum of a four-year prison sentence.
Drink Differently
Although it may have seemed a bit criminal before, in Illinois, it’s now official. A teenager with a driver’s permit cannot serve as a designated driver when their parent is drunk. And while we’re on this topic, 35 states passed a law that keeps adults from serving as the (dysfunctional) “hostest with the mostest”. If you serve alcohol to anyone under 21, the property damage or personal injury that happens on your watch will also be on your dime. Literally.
No “Fake” Parenting
There are a lot of 15-year-olds walking around with tattoos these days. In many of cases, that probably means that there were a lot of people, who were not those kids’ parents, signing the consent form. Illinois has had enough. It’s a now a misdemeanor to sign for a body piercing or tattoo if you’re not their legal parent or guardian.
No More Riding Solo
In North Carolina, you may end up holding onto to your learner’s permit longer than planned. If you’re under 18, you now have to drive 60 hours with a parent and 10 of those must specifically be at night. This law applies to those getting their learner’s permit as of January 1, 2012.
The Dream Act Is Now Real
If you live in California and you’re an undocumented student, you can now be eligible for in-state tuition and apply for private scholarships. All that’s required is graduating from high school after attending one in California for at least three years or currently attended a college or university.
Evan Fischer is a contributor for Doyle Raizner – Maritime Law Attorney, a team of dedicated legal professionals that handle a variety of cases involving maritime law, workers compensation claims, and a variety of others.
No “Fake” Parenting
Thats one of the ones I like. I think the tatoos look so bad on the younger kids.
I like all the laws you mentioned though, some of these might make the parents stand up and take notice to what their kids are doing….. Maybe!