since law school doesn't teach you this, i will

[brian lauter]

How often have you had to tell an inquisitive friend or relative, “I haven’t taken that class,” or “we didn’t have to learn that?” Probably quite a bit.

As law students, we’re rarely responsible for knowing and understanding current laws that actually relate to people we know.

Lucky for you, I’m here to help. The following is a summary of a few of the more interesting California laws taking effect in 2009. More comprehensive reviews can be found here and here.

1. No texting while driving

2. Chain restaurants with more than 20 locations must post nutritional information (effective July 1, 2009)

3. If you are on probation for DUI and are pulled over with a BAC of .01 or higher, the DMV may suspend your license for a year and impound your car

4. GPS units in cars must be located in the lower five inches of the left side of your windshield or the lower seven inches of the passenger side of your windshield

5. Schools may suspend and recommend expulsion of students who engage in cyber-bullying

6. Companies with business interests in Sudan are prohibited from bidding on state contracts for goods or services

7. Insurers may not refuse to pay the medical expenses of those injured while under the influence of drugs or alcohol

The texting law has been pretty well publicized, but you never know when your little brother will need a cease and desist order to ward off a cyber-bully, or your crazy uncle will get wasted and break his collarbone trying to pop a wheelie on a forklift.

At any rate, that should be enough to keep you and yours on the right side of the law in 2009. Excuse me while I dump my stock in the Bank of Sudan.