New state laws take effect Wednesday
June 29, 2009 | Virginia News
New state laws that ban text messaging while driving and get tougher on drunken drivers take effect this week.
In a 46-day session, the General Assembly approved 879 bills, most of which take effect Wednesday.
The session will probably be best known for a measure prohibiting smoking in most restaurants and bars in Virginia. This measure will not take effect until Dec. 1 to give restaurant owners more time to prepare for the ban.
Here's a look at some highlights of laws that take effect this week:
