A new law in California will make it a misdemeanor to sell, dispense or distribute a synthetic cannabinoid compound, commonly known as "spice" or "K2".   At least 40 states have adopted laws or departmental rules to ban chemical substances related to synthetic cannabinoids. California SB 420

Another California law prohibits the production, distribution or sale of beer to which caffeine has been directly added as a separate ingredient. California SB 39

Legislation in Oregon establishes requirements for closing or restricting access to public lands for hunting. It specifies that public lands currently accessible for hunting must remain open unless a state agency restricts access for reasons of public safety. It also requires that additional lands be opened to hunting if land that is normally available for hunting is closed. Oregon HB 2875

A new law in California makes it a misdemeanor to openly carry an exposed, unloaded handgun while in a public place or on a public street in an incorporated city, or in specified prohibited areas of an unincorporated county. California AB 144

A new law in Delaware will require people who become members of the Delaware Pension Fund on or after Jan. 1, 2012, to make larger contributions than earlier members. It also will require those new members to be older or to work longer than current members to earn a pension benefit. Delaware HB 81

New laws requiring voters to present photo identification will go into effect in Kansas (HB 2067), Rhode Island (HB 5680), Tennessee (SB 16) and Texas (SB 14). A law in New Hampshire will require election day registrants who do not present a photo ID to return a mailed identify verification (HB 487). An additional Tennessee law will require election officials to identify possible non-citizens who are registered to vote and require them to present proof of citizenship in order to remain a registered voter (SB 352).