117 new state laws go into effect today

Posted By: BriAna Campbell
bcampbell@klkntv.com

A slew of new state laws go into effect today, July 19; 117 of them, to be exact.

All of them coming three months after the legislative session adjourned.

Among the new legislation, three that will loosen certain gun restrictions in the state.

People released from mental health facilities will be able to petition a mental health board to reinstate the right to buy a handgun or obtain a concealed carry permit.

If petitioners show  "clear and convincing evidence", the restriction will be removed.

The other two involve university-sanctioned firearms teams to carry more than just rifles, and prohibiting local law enforcement from disclosing gun permit records to the public.

Another law change addresses the opioid crisis.

Doctors will now have to discuss risks with younger patients and limit the amounts of opiates they prescribe.

Threatening or harassing someone via text message will now be a misdemeanor, punishable by up to three months in jail and a $500 fine.

Sex trafficking victims will also feel the impact of a new law.

Those with a prostitution conviction will be able to ask a judge to set aside their sentence if they were under a traffickers influence at the time.

This law part of an effort to rehabilitate victims and shift punishments from victims onto traffickers.

Some other key new laws address telehealth for rural residents, service member relocation, and protecting your personal data.

For more information on these new laws, click here.