October 1, 1999
Web posted at: 9:20 a.m. EDT (1320 GMT)

(CNN) -- With the dawn of October on Friday, a plethora of new state laws go into effect around the United States, including Florida's new ban on people younger than 18 having anything but their ears pierced without parental permission.

In Maryland, people who install a video cameras in their neighbors' homes to spy on them, or those who steal someone else's identity, will face new criminal penalties. In North Carolina, everyone younger than 16 will have to wear seat belts.

New federal laws are also going into effect, including a measure designed to speed the delivery of child-support payments. The funds can now be transferred electronically, rather than processed through a state office.

Several states are toughening laws against drunken driving. In Michigan, judges may now force repeat offenders to wear ankle tethers that prevent them from starting their own cars. Michigan judges can also impound the cars of repeat offenders or can have a boot placed on the car to immobilize it.

Residents of Washington State who drive with suspended licenses may also now have their cars impounded. And in Florida, people convicted of driving a boat while under the influence of alcohol could be subject to a maximum prison term of 15 years, up from nine years.

Arkansas is initiating a program to assess convicted sex offenders' likelihood of committing another sex crime once they are released. For those judged most likely to offend again, police will go door-to-door to notify neighbors

States also are targeting the Internet with new laws. Connecticut will now punish adults who attempt to engage in sex with minors whom they contact over the Internet with a year in prison or a $1,000 fine. Repeat offenders could receive 20 years in prison.

In Maryland, customers can no longer order wine directly from merchants over the Internet without risking a felony conviction and a two-year jail sentence.

Other new laws:

• Michigan residents who fake a handicapped parking permit will now be subject to a $250 minimum fine.
• In Maryland, a law imposes a $500 fine for harassing someone with a laser pointer.
• In Connecticut, a law banning racial profiling by police officers is activated. Officers can no longer pull traffic violators over because of race, color or sex.
• In Florida, a law strengthening living wills to give dying people more rights to reject life-sustaining treatment goes into effect.
• Maryland residents will have to pay veterinary bills up to $5,000 if their dog mauls another dog.
• All employees of Wisconsin caregiving facilities must undergo criminal background checks.

Thursday, September 30, 1999

• Bradley outraises Gore in third quarter; Bush marches on
• Underage piercing out in Florida, as new state laws kick in
• House passes bill to make harming fetus a crime
• Gore and vice presidentitis
• Gore says he's the 'underdog'; announces lower fund-raising totals
• Judges interview possible Starr successors
• NHPrimary.com: New Hampshire sticks with February 1; Delaware blinks
• NHPrimary.com: McCain picks New Hampshire city to announce candidacy
• NHPrimary.com: GOP contenders ponder fate of Quayle supporters
• Reno chides reporters over conflict stories
• Clinton promises veto of GOP plan delaying help for working poor
• Beatty's 'majorette' speech leaves them guessing on presidential bid
• Though not in the race, Ventura has idea how to win presidency
• New Mexico governor supports legalization of drugs
• Clinton was prepared to testify in Cisneros trial
• Demonstrators protest outside Clinton's New York future home

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