New laws deal with prenatal care, other issues

A series of new laws in Oklahoma deal with such diverse subjects as prenatal care and highway maintenance.
A bill taking effect Tuesday, the first day of the new state fiscal year, requires that prenatal classes include instruction on the risks of drug and alcohol use during pregnancy.
Legislation approved by the Legislature before it adjourned May 23 authorizes the issuance of $300 million in bonds to keep the Oklahoma Department of Transportation on track with its eight-year road and bridge repair and maintenance program.
The bonds will be sold in increments of $150 million each in 2009 and 2010.
Another new law taking effect on Tuesday requires that signs be posted at gasoline pumps telling motorists whether their fuel contains ethanol or methanol.
Another law calls for a $5,000 death benefit to be paid to the family of an emergency medical technician who dies on duty.
A provision of an anti-illegal immigration law had been scheduled to take effect July 1, but a federal judge has granted several businesses groups a preliminary injunction blocking the law until a decision is made on the measure’s constitutionality.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and other business groups argued the law is unconstitutional because it pre-empted federal law on the immigration issue. They oppose penalties for businesses who do not take part in an online federal employee verification program.
The state is appealing the ruling to a federal appeals court in Denver.
Other new Oklahoma laws set up a task force on hunger and allow the state narcotics bureau to establish a revolving fund based on fees charged to people pleading guilty to marijuana possession.
The majority of new laws are appropriations measures funding education and state agencies for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009.
Besides highway bonds, the Legislature authorized $100 million in bonds for endowed chairs at universities, plus three $25 million bond programs for flood control projects, the American Indian Cultural Center in Oklahoma City and for dam and bridge improvements along the Arkansas River in Tulsa.
Most agencies did not get an increase in funding under a $7.1 billion state budget crafted by lawmakers.