On January 1, 2010, several state laws took effect seeking to regulate everything from social policy to highway safety. Texting while driving became illegal in Illinois, Oregon and New Hampshire, joining the nearly twenty other prohibiting states and the federal government. North Carolina banned smoking in bars and restaurants, joining the nearly thirty other states with similar bans in place. Illinois extended an exemption on their indoor smoking ban to American Indians during religious practices. Oregon banned cigarette vending machines in places where minors are allowed. New Hampshire became the fifth state to legalize same-sex marriage after passing legislation to that effect in 2009. California became the first state to ban the use of artificial transfats in restaurants, and gave celebrities greater legal remedy against paparazzi.


Great Seal of the US

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