The state is getting rid of its law allowing only private bars. But bars will have to electronically scan the ID card of anyone who seems younger than 35, and store the information for inspection by law enforcement. Florida smokers will pay an additional $1 tax on a pack of cigarettes, and felony suspects in the state will have to provide DNA samples even if they're not convicted. Connecticut is now the 16th state to adopt the Silver Alert system to help find missing adults with dementia and other cognitive impairments. It's modeled after the Amber Alert system for missing children. Tennessee drivers who get caught reading or sending cell phone text messages while behind the wheel will be fined $50.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)