New laws affect smokers, dogs> Lighting cigarette in restaurant can lead to $100 fine starting today

AUGUSTA — Scores of new state laws affecting motorists, bicyclists, smokers, fishermen and dirt lovers take effect Saturday.

Yes, dirt lovers.

Maine now officially recognizes a state soil — Chesuncook. At the same time, it has elevated wintergreen to the status of official state herb.

Saturday marks the 90th day after the close of the 1999 legislative session, the day most of the newly enacted laws take effect.

Some laws, labeled as “emergency” acts, took effect immediately upon the governor’s signature, while a number of others list specific dates throughout the year when they will take effect.

Of the scores kicking in Saturday, the one that has drawn the most attention bars smokers from lighting up in restaurants. Violations can bring $100 fines.

Motorists have a number of new rules to observe — and violations will also come with a cost.

Fines for speeding in school zones will be doubled. It will be illegal to have an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle. Current law only prohibits the driver from drinking.

Others that also sound like common sense are now the law.

One makes it illegal to avoid traffic lights by cutting through parking lots. And don’t even think about riding in the trunk — it’s now taboo.

A new law affecting drivers who get into accidents doubles to $1,000 the minimum amount in property damage that must occur in order to be reportable to police.

Some new laws affect Maine workers and employers.

Victims of sexual assaults, stalking or domestic violence can now take unpaid leaves from work to get counseling, medical attention or protection orders without fear of losing their jobs.

And it will now be harder for workers who are dismissed to get unemployment benefits. For example, workers who are receiving unemployment will have to provide verification of side income when they file for their claims.

On the water, the lobster industry can do more to conserve Maine’s most famous seafood. Each of the state’s seven lobster fishing zones can take steps toward limiting the number of new licenses. And shrimp harvesters will now have to obtain special shrimp licenses rather than commercial fishing licenses.

On the streams and lakes, fly fishermen will be allowed to use sinkers to get their flies or lines to sink into the water. And, also starting Saturday, any hunter who wins an any-deer permit can transfer it to a juvenile or a hunter over 65 years of age.

Some criminal laws will be made more strict.

Fines for trespassing in railroad yards, on railroad crossings and jumping on trains, which used to range from $5 to $20, will increase to $100.

Police have more muscle to go after pedophiles who use the Internet to lure children into sex. And surveillance of dressing rooms, bathrooms and similar private places is now a criminal act.