New Laws Take Effect Friday

Several new laws take effect July 1 in California.

Here are a few of the more high-profile laws:

State sales and use tax

The statewide sales and use tax rate for California is decreasing by 1 percent from 8.25 percent to 7.25 percent. In areas with additional local taxes, that amount is added to the base rate. Effective July 1, Marin County residents will pay a base rate of 8 percent. The cities of San Rafael and Novato will have an adjusted rate of 8.5 percent.

Whooping cough shots for 7-12 grade students

All students entering 7th through 12th grades must have proof of an adolescent whooping cough booster shot before starting school. The law goes into effect as of the 2011-2012 school year.

Carbon monoxide detectors

The installation of carbon monoxide detectors will be required in all single-family homes with an attached garage or a fossil-fuel source. A fossil-fuel source includes any furnace, appliance or fireplace that is powered by natural gas. Previous legislation currently required the detectors be installed in newly constructed homes. Owners of apartment buildings and multi-family dwellings have until Jan. 1, 2012, to have the detectors installed.

HOV lanes

Stickers issued to owners of hybrid vehicles that allowed them to be driven in carpool lanes, will expire on July 1. Electric- and natural-gas-powered vehicles displaying white stickers may continue to drive in HOV lanes until Jan. 1, 2015. A third type of sticker for plug-in hybrid vehicles is being created, and will be valid from Jan. 1, 2012, until Jan. 1, 2015.

Local traffic Ordinances

Local jurisdictions are not allowed to enact or enforce any traffic ordinances that are currently covered in the California Vehicle Code. This law was enacted to ensure that all traffic violations are reported to the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Traffic school changes

Attending traffic school will no longer completely remove a violation from a driver?s record. Previously, California courts erased tickets from drivers? records if a driver completed a traffic violator program. Under the new law, courts will no longer erase records of tickets after completion of traffic school. The records will continue to be withheld from the Department of Motor Vehicles databases, preventing points on drivers? records and higher insurance rates. The provision is to ensure that courts will have accurate accounts of individuals? traffic history.

Safety training for food service workers

The California Food Handler Card law, enacted Jan. 1, requires all food handlers to enroll in a state-approved food safety course and pass an assessment. Food handlers are legally defined as any person involved in the preparation, storage or service of food in a food facility. The law covers nearly all restaurant positions including management, all kitchen staff, wait staff, and support staff such as people who clear tables. The law also applies to hot and cold beverage service, so bartenders and coffee shop employees will also have to obtain the card.

Grocery store employees, operators of temporary food booths and vendors at certified farmers? markets are not required to have a food handler card. Cafeteria workers at schools and health care facilities are also exempt.