New Year Brings New State Laws

ST. PAUL (AP) - The new year brings a variety of new laws in Minnesota.

New school buses will be required to have right-side crossing arms to protect students. The arms automatically extend when the bus stops and the flashing red lights are used.

Another law allows young parents who are finishing high school to exceed the limit of 10 absent days for which a child care provider can be compensated through the state's child care assistance program.

A third new law says licensed health care providers can no longer use third parties to solicit business from car accident victims. Some companies have used unethical practices to solicit business, such as promising a specific payout.

Another new law regulates insurance that covers portable electronic devices.

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