The following new laws take effect Jan. 1 unless otherwise indicated.
.50-caliber rifles: Sale of the heavy, long-range weapons, used mostly by target shooters, is banned in California. Ban supporters argued that the weapons, capable of hitting hovering helicopters, could be used by terrorists. AB 50 by Assemblyman Paul Koretz (D-West Hollywood).
Ballot printouts: Electronic voting systems approved for use in California must include paper printouts so voters can check the accuracy of their votes. SB 1438 by Sen. Ross Johnson ( R-Irvine).
Battered women: Women convicted of killing or attempting to kill their abusers or of committing a felony as a partner with their abusers before Aug. 29, 1996, can petition courts for reconsideration if they show battered-woman's syndrome played a role in the crime. SB 1385 by Sen. John Burton (D-San Francisco).
Bedroom privacy: It is a misdemeanor to film someone in a bedroom without their knowledge. SB 1484 by Sen. Dick Ackerman (R-Irvine).
Boats: It is illegal to run a boat engine while someone hangs from the stern's swim ladder or platform. Starting in May 2005, new boats sold in California must include stickers warning of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning from boat engine exhaust. Since 1990, more than 100 people nationwide have drowned after inhaling carbon monoxide from boat exhaust. AB 2222 by Assemblyman Paul Koretz (D-West Hollywood).
Campaign debt: Candidates cannot have more than $100,000 in campaign debt at any one time, whether they lend themselves money or borrow from a bank. The law took effect in September. SB 1449 by Sen. Ross Johnson (R-Irvine).
Cellphones: Providers of mobile-telephone service cannot publish the cellphone numbers of their customers without permission. AB 1733 by Assemblywoman Sarah Reyes (D-Fresno).
Child abuse: Caregivers who work for the state-run, county-administered program called In-Home Supportive Services are required to report suspected child abuse. AB 2531 by Assemblywoman Patricia Bates (R-Laguna Niguel).
Child prostitution: Punishment for people convicted of soliciting child prostitutes includes an additional year in state prison. AB 3042 by Assemblyman Leland Yee (D-San Francisco).
College transfer: By June, California State University administrators must create a systemwide transfer curriculum to help community college students avoid taking unnecessary classes. The law also guarantees Cal State admission to students who complete the uniform set of courses. SB 1785 by Sen. Jack Scott (D-Altadena).
