Three weeks ago, we listed some of the new state laws that have gone into effect since August. Here are a few more:
The state Department of Health will review the risk of skin cancer from ultraviolet nail dryers that are often used for gel manicures and pedicures.
Changing tables will be required in public women’s and men’s restrooms, and businesses must install them in new or renovated restrooms that are open to customers.
On Jan. 30, prisons will be allowed to use body scanners to check inmates for weapons because metal detectors are not triggered by ceramic blades.
Volunteer firefighters who have served at least five years and are diagnosed with certain types of cancer (prostate, breast, lymphatic, hematological, digestive, urinary, neurological, reproductive systems or melanoma) after Jan. 1 will be eligible for state disability coverage and death benefits.
People convicted of domestic abuse must turn in all firearms to police, not just handguns.
Along with an increase in the minimum wage, a wage-theft hotline has been established (888-4-NYSDOL) to report employers who do not comply.
As of Jan. 30, newborns who are identified or suspected of having a hearing impairment will be required to be tested for cytomegalovirus, unless a parent objects. The virus is the leading non-genetic cause of deafness in children.
Health insurers must provide men with access to prostate cancer screening without co-pays or deductibles.
Property tax rebate checks for homeowners with incomes of $275,000 or less will increase, so that the new average per household will be $530.
The key word in the new state law that requires people convicted of domestic abuse to turn in their firearms to the police is convicted. It’s not based on suspicion, allegations, an arrest or the filing of charges, but only on conviction. Otherwise, it would be unjust.
What is the definition of “domestic abuse,” pray tell?
Are body scanners really needed – and are they safe, and cost effective – in the search for a ceramic knife? There are some questions about the health hazards of these now commonly used body scanners.
Just how often are ceramic knives used, effectively? I have not seen this issue reported in the press. What prompts the decision to do a search, using a body scanner, for something which is unlikely to be there?
Domestic violence is defined in the state criminal statute as an assault, menacing, obstruction of breathing or blood circulation, imprisonment, coercion, harassment, trespass, arson or attempting to commit any of these where the defendant and victim are members of the same household.
Prison officials say they have concerns about ceramic blades because they are showing up more often as contraband among prisoners, e.g.
https://auburnpub.com/news/local/a-very-real-danger-auburn-prison-among-worst-in-new/article_65329f18-5db3-5355-9369-1123abec2c96.html
Interesting. It might be desirable to see if consumer ceramic items (if they can be used as weapons) may include some metal content inside, or metallic coatings, or similar, so that they may more easily be identified via standard metal sensors. If that is feasible, it might them be something which may need to be by law mandated at the time of manufacture. If this indeed is a developing concern.