The year 2020 is downloading. Or is it uploading? Whatever. It is coming to a clock or device near you real soon. I’m usually curious to see the year in review that we are leaving behind. Not so this morning. I’m looking at— hold your breath— new laws that you and I must follow as of January 1, 2020. “The laws, they are a-changin’.”
If you do a search for “new laws in my state (name your state),” you will find summaries of said laws that are to take effect on the first day of the year. What? You didn’t know your state and federal legislatures passed a bunch of laws while you were at work/school/taking care of others?? Today would be a good day to find out what laws are being passed. They are different for every state. Some states are dealing with marijuana. Others may decide how tips are handled. Oh, the government is still having to tell people not to watch streaming video while they drive. Then, there’s the issue of taxes and more taxes. Just check your state out. Notice that if there are 250 new laws, you’re expected to know the laws that affect you.
While we’re at it, please note that when the federal government passes a law, we hear about it. What is less known are the various “riders” attached to federal bills that become law. Those will shock you. Let’s say that Congress passes a bill about x,y,z. In order to pass that bill, they negotiate a, b, and c to go with it. You only hear about x,y, and z —until later.
Like I said… the year 2020 is downloading. Or is it uploading? Whatever the case, it’s a heavy load.
Knowing what new laws are coming is Common Sense Civics and Citizenship.??
