Hundreds of New Commonwealth Laws Go into Effect Today

The new laws range from alcohol (you can now bring your own wine to participating restaurants) to state workers' retirement funds to the school-year calendar (a school district may begin classes before Labor Day if it is surrounded by other districts that already have a waiver from the state to begin school early).

Another notable law: teens found drinking and driving  will face harsher penalties, including loss of their license for a year and either a $500 minimum fine or 50 hours of community service. Currently, the punishment is loss of license for six months and a maximum fine of $500.

Several series of special license plates were authorized by this year’s General Assembly, including the tea-party-themed “Don’t Tread On Me” and “In God We Trust” plates.  One man's fight to get enough signatures for a Reston license plate will continue to next year.

The Richmond Times-Dispatch has a list of some of the new law highlights here.