New laws for the new year: Good news, Illinois, water buffalo milk is legal

Raleigh, N.C. Hey, Illinois, its OK to drink water buffalo milk now!

That new law is one of thousands being implemented as of Jan. 1, as states are getting ready to implement thousands of new laws tackling everything from new minimum wage laws to gun rights, to canine companionship while dining al fresco.

The new laws govern a host of American concerns, ranging from the food we eat, privacy rights when it comes to both drones and candid selfies, and the wisdom of giving huge tax breaks to Hollywood to make movies locally. (Yes, were looking at you, North Carolina.)

Illinois, as noted, just approved water buffalo milk for sale. Florida made it a $60 fine and three points on your driving record if any kids under 6 arent strapped into a proper car seat, and a cop sees it.

And California, per the usual, led the way in telling its citizens new things they can and cant do, with 931 new laws taking effect on Jan. 1. (Florida, by contrast, will see only three new laws take effect.)

In the Golden State, its now a misdemeanor to take Scarlett Johanssons or anyone elses candid selfie and disseminate it on the Internet without their permission.

And California dog owners will for the first time be able to legally hang out with their canine friends on restaurant patios, although California dogs remain banned from inside dining rooms.

And the progressive beacon on the West Coast continues to wade into the culture wars, as a much-debated California law takes effect. Under the first-ever yes means yes law, colleges must enact sexual assault policies that will require students to verbally consent before having sex.

But legislatures around the country also tried to ease off on red tape and recreational restrictions. In Illinois, for example, employers can no longer ask job applicants about their criminal history, at least not on the initial application.

And a year after recreational marijuana became legal in Colorado, households in Oregon will be able to legally have up to 8 ounces of marijuana in their possession.

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New laws for the new year: Good news, Illinois, water buffalo milk is legal