Roundup: Laws will affect Mainers’ daily lives

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Legislation enacted during the session scheduled to end this week will affect Mainers in their daily lives. Most of the laws will take effect 90 days after the close of the session, probably in mid-September. Some took effect immediately, and a few kick in on dates specified in the laws.

Education

. Consolidation of Maine’s 152 school administrative systems to 80.

. High school students must fill out college applications as a condition for graduation.

. Two students to serve in nonvoting capacity on state Board of Education.

Consumer protection

. Predatory lending practices outlawed.

. Seniors protected from financial exploitation in transactions made on their behalf.

Health and safety

. Family Medical Leave Act broadened to include domestic partners.

. Closer scrutiny of preventive health treatment practices and vaccinations for Maine National Guard members.

. Cell phone retailers to accept old phones for recycling or proper disposal.

. Environmentally safe cleaning products and pesticides preferred in schools.

. “Deca” forms of flame retardants used in some products phased out.

. Cigarettes sold in Maine must go out by themselves if not smoked for a few minutes.

Environment

. Maine authorized to join 10-state Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.

. Solar energy rebate program extended through 2010.

Transportation

. Drivers under the age of 18 can’t use cell phones or any hand-held electronic devices.

. Failure to use seat belts a primary offense.

. Widening of nine miles of the Maine Turnpike from two to three lanes each way OK’d.

. “We Support Our Troops” license plates authorized.

Miscellaneous

. “Deadbeat Parents” law broadened to include revocation of snowmobile and all-terrain vehicle registrations.

. Legal definition of “pure maple syrup” refined as aid to consumers.

. Lobster-trap molesting becomes civil offense to aid enforcement.

. Musical groups barred from advertising or performing under false or misleading connections with other bands.

Studies

. Cost of extending rail service from Portland to Fryeburg.

. Effect of driver distractions such as eating and applying makeup.

. Effect of placement of liquor stores and signs on teenage drinking.

. State and federal activity relating to full and fair access to the Internet.