States to implement new laws in 2009

AUGUSTA, Maine, Dec. 29 (UPI) -- New laws will take effect in U.S. states from Maine to Washington on New Year's Day, officials say.

Former Maine state Sen. Paula Benoit said when the state Office of Vital Records starts its first official 2009 work day Friday, nearly 50 adults will take advantage of a new law allowing adult adoptees to have access to their original birth certificates, USA Today reported Monday.

Meanwhile, Miles Kuntz of the Washington Department of Ecology said his state will implement a law aimed at recycling televisions and computers.

Once the law officially takes effect Thursday, Kuntz said state residents will be able to dispose of the used devices at any of the 200 collection sites set up across Washington.

Washington is also joining Alaska and Illinois in requiring convicted drunken drivers with a blood-alcohol content of 0.08 percent or higher to have breathalyzer devices installed on their cars to prevent them from driving intoxicated.

USA Today said other new laws set for 2009 include legislation aimed at enhancing DNA testing in California, Maryland and South Carolina, along with renewable energy laws in Iowa, Ohio and New Hampshire.