More Senate bills of note:

S.B. 266: No Sex Offenders on Juries, Sen. Tony Rand

S.B. 272: Defense of Marriage, Sen. James Forrester 

S.B. 290: No Federal Stimulus Money for Illegal Aliens, Sen. Forrester

S.B. 305: Incentives for Energy Conservation, Sen. Dan Clodfelter

S.B. 307: Regulate Ownership & Use of Certain Reptiles, Sen. Ed Jones

A crop of new laws takes effect next week.

Adopted children will find it easier to get information about their birth parents. No smoking will be allowed inside buildings owned or leased by the state, and counties will find it easier to restrict smoking.

Jailers must ask everyone arrested if they are here illegally.

Bars and restaurants will have to submit a plan for recycling to get an alcohol permit. Lenders will find it harder to issue a shaky loan. Twenty cents from every rabies tag sold will go to a fund to spay and neuter pets.

Anyone running for office will have to answer if they have have ever been convicted of a felony. Lying in the response is a felony. (N&O)