Tuesday,  July 02, 2013 • Vol. 14--No. 346 • 21 of 31

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• Among the laws set to take effect this year around the U.S. are new abortion limits, gun laws and technology rules. And one state, Wyoming, will start setting up a lottery Monday, leaving only a handful of states without a jackpot drawing.
• So as you get ready for Fourth of July cookouts and family gatherings, consider this roundup of South Dakota laws set to go into effect:
• -- GUNS: A new law taking effect July 1 allows South Dakota's school districts to arm teachers, other school staff and volunteers. Local law enforcement officials would have to approve a school's program, and those taking part would have to undergo training by the same state commission that oversees the training of law enforcement officers. Associations representing school officials say they do not know of any school districts that have taken steps to put armed teachers or volunteers in their schools.
• -- PRISONS: Another new law seeks to cut South Dakota's prison costs by treating more nonviolent offenders through intensive probation, parole and other programs outside prison walls. The new law will use expanded probation and parole, along with other programs that treat drug and alcohol offenders, as part of an effort to divert offenders from prison and prevent them from committing future crimes. Officials said if nothing is done to curb a rapid increase in adult inmates, the state would have to build a new men's prison and a new women's prison in the next decade.
• DRIVING: Starting July 1, beginning drivers will be banned from using cellphones behind the wheel. Young drivers cannot use cellphones or other electronic devices until they get unrestricted licenses at age 16.

SD governor urges safe Fourth of July driving

• PIERRE, S.D. (AP) -- South Dakota Gov. Dennis Daugaard is urging drivers to use caution and make safe choices as they travel for the Fourth of July holiday.
• State Office of Highway Safety statistics show an average of 113 crashes, 42 injuries and two deaths over the holiday period the past five years. The reporting period is from the evening of July 3 through July 7.
• "Because most crashes are entirely preventable, wearing seatbelts, following speed limits and avoiding distractions while driving can go a long way to making the highways safer for all of us this holiday," Daugaard said
• About 12 percent of the holiday period crashes have involved alcohol. Daugaard said there is no excuse for drinking and driving.
• "It takes only a few minutes to arrange for a sober driver, and it can mean the difference between a holiday celebration and a tragedy," the governor said.

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