We all secretly wonder if any of our friends or family members have ever been busted for breaking the law. You’d be surprised how often people lie about their criminal record because they think that no one will ever find out the truth. Wrong! The truth is out there; you just have to bring out your inner detective skills to uncover it. Luckily, you have us to help you out. An online background check can help you dig up some serious dirt on friends, relatives, or even someone you recently started dating. Hey, no one wants to date a criminal, right? Right!

So, since laws (and law breakers) are such a hot topic in the media right now, we decided to make a list of the newest laws that were passed in 2014. As of January 1st, several new state laws went into effect. It’s always a good idea to brush up on new laws, especially if you live in one of these states. The last thing you want is to break a law that you didn’t even know existed because then you’ll be the one whose criminal record is available online!

1. Colorado — Recreational Marijuana Use Is Now Legal

The most controversial and highly publicized new law of 2014 goes to the legalization of marijuana in Colorado. It is the first state in the U.S. to make the drug legal for recreational use. Marijuana is now sold like alcohol, and anyone over 21 can buy up to one ounce. Sales exceeded $1 million—on the first day.

2. Oregon — New Mothers Can Take Home Their Placentas

In Oregon, new mothers are now permitted to bring their placenta home from the hospital after giving birth. This was illegal up until this year due to the state’s medical waste laws, but the new law was passed in order to accommodate certain cultural beliefs surrounding the positive effects of placenta.

3. Delaware — Shark Fins Are Banned

In many Asian cultures, shark-fin soup is considered a delicacy. However, animal rights activists have vehemently argued that the process by which the fins are obtained is severely inhumane. As of 2014, Delaware authorities have made it illegal to sell, distribute, or possess shark fins.

4. Illinois — Teens Banned From Tanning Beds

There are many health risks associated with tanning beds and overexposure to UV rays. In an attempt to reduce these risks for minors, the use of tanning beds is now illegal in Illinois for anyone under the age of 18, even those who have parental permission.

5. California — Harsher Punishment For Shutterbugs

The paparazzi are a major nuisance for celebrities, and their omnipresence can be a safety hazard for stars with young children. California’s new law states that celebrity parents can now take legal action against photographers who harass them or their children. Punishments for paparazzi could include civil damages, criminal fines, or even jail time. A-listers Jennifer Garner and Halle Berry, both of whom are mothers to young children, have publicly supported this law.

6. Arkansas — Voters Must Show Photo ID

Starting this year, all voters in Arkansas will be legally required to show photo identification at polling places in order to submit their ballots.

7. California — Transgender Equality

One of California’s newest laws is geared toward establishing equality. Transgender students in the state are now allowed to choose which restrooms and locker rooms they wish to use based on the gender they identify with.

8. Connecticut — Guns Laws Are Getting Stricter

In the wake of the tragic Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre, state authorities in Connecticut have passed a new law on gun control. As of January 1st, it is now illegal to possess certain firearms and ammunition that are not registered. This includes assault weapons and large magazines. This law directly affected an estimated 20,000 gun owners in the state.

9 & 10. Colorado And Illinois — Minors Can Register To Vote

In an attempt to increase voter participation, students in Colorado and Illinois now have the ability to register to vote before they turn 18. Colorado will allow high school students to pre-register at age 16, but they’ll still have to wait until they’re 18 to vote in a primary or general election. In Illinois, students can register and vote in a primary election when they turn 17.

What do YOU think of these new U.S. state laws? Let us know in the comments!

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