New laws to watch out for today

The new year brings changes in state law that range from freshening up the air in state vehicles to providing more protections for homebuyers. Here's a sampling:

NO SMOKING: Another anti-smoking effort in the Tar Heel state -- smoking is now banned in any vehicles owned, leased or controlled by the state. "No smoking" signs are to be posted. Local governments are given the authority to ban smoking in their vehicles, too.

INSURANCE: Health insurance companies are now required to provide insurance identification cards to their customers. The cards make it easier for health-care providers to verify coverage. Vehicle insurers must notify customers that they can purchase additional coverage to protect them in accidents in which the other driver is uninsured or under-insured.

VEHICLE INSPECTIONS: Motorists now have up to 60 days to get a failed vehicle repaired and then reinspected at the same station without having to pay another fee. Previously, motorists had 30 days.

MORE JUDGES, PROSECUTOR: The judicial district for Alexander, Davidson, Davie and Iredell counties is now split in two, resulting in a few more judges and prosecutors. Alexander and Iredell are in one district with two Superior Court judges, five district court judges and 11 prosecutors; the district for Davidson and Davie gets two Superior Court judges, six district court judges and 11 prosecutors.

FEE INCREASES: The maximum monthly rate that adult-care homes can charge residents is increased by $34 to $1,207. The law also raises the rates the state pays for those raising children in adoption or foster care assistance programs. The monthly rate for taking care of a child age 5 or younger, for example, increases from $390 to $475. A nursing home assessment fee goes up $1.

Fees are raised for commercial underground petroleum tanks to $420 per tank, regardless of size, while the licensing fee for businesses providing in-home care services will increase from $350 to $400.

ELECTIONS: New third-party candidates are now required to be registered with that political party.

FISHING: Owners or operators of boats 23-feet or longer are allowed to purchase a block of 10, 10-day coastal recreational fishing licenses for their passengers.

SCHOLARSHIPS: Interest charged for three scholarship loan programs for nursing and school administration is limited to no more than 10 percent.

MORTGAGE SERVICES: Mortgage servicers will be licensed and regulated by the N.C. Commissioner of Banks.