Local papers are running an Associated Press article that gives a round up of new laws from the 2008 Maine legislative session . Read the full story in Foster’s Daily Democrat. Here are a few of the law changes:

• The minimum wage goes from $7 per hour to $7.50 over a two-year period.
• A statewide unified building code will give contractors a single set of standards to follow rather than rules that vary from town to town.
• Vehicle registrations will rise from $25 to $35. Title and vanity plate fees also rise.
• There are new incentives to keep downtowns vibrant and encourage the reuse of existing buildings through a historic preservation tax credit.
• Maine’s family medical leave law will cover employees who must take time off from work to care for a sick brother or sister. The law currently covers workers who care for a sick child, spouse, parent or domestic partner.
• It will be illegal to smoke in cars in which children under 16 are present. The law will authorize $50 fines, but for the first year only warnings will be issued.
• Maine outlaws the sale of cigarette lighters that are attractive to children because they come in the shapes of cartoon characters, toys and animals.
• A new law requires manufacturers to disclose the most dangerous chemicals used in consumer products they make; another bans lead in toys and children’s products
• Truckers will not be allowed to let their vehicles idle for more than five minutes when the temperature is above freezing under a bill to conserve energy and promote cleaner air.
• Distributors will pay more beer, wine and soda taxes as part of funding to keep Maine’s Dirigo Health program running.
• Scrap metal processors must pay sellers only with checks and maintain a paper trail to those they pay. Sellers must also sign statements that the metal is not stolen.