Here are a list of some important new laws for 2009:

New 2009 Federal Laws:

• On July 24, 2009, the federal minimum wage will increase from $6.55 to $7.25 per hour.

• As of June 1, 2009, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) will require American citizens entering the U.S. by sea or land to provide their passport, passport card or other WHTI-approved document. A driver's license along with a birth certificate will no longer suffice.

2009 New European Law:

• In 2009, the European Union will require airlines to quote the total price for airfare, including all taxes and fees. This will apply to flights heading to or departing from Europe.

2009 Alabama, Louisiana, Utah Law:

• Each state will increase its minimum car insurance liability limits in January 2009.

2009 Arizona Laws:

• Arizona requires that the state name at the top of a vehicle's license plate must be visible. Violators will be ticketed $130.

• All off-highway vehicles (OHVs) weighing under 1,800 pounds must purchase a OHV decal from the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division (MVD).

2009 California Laws:

• In California, new driving laws prohibit smoking a pipe, cigar or cigarette in a car while it is occupied by a minor.

• New cell phone laws in California are in effect, too: a no-text law restricts drivers from text messaging while operating a vehicle (carries a fine of $20).

• Tougher penalties for drivers on probation for DUI conviction; zero tolerance for offenders driving with a blood alcohol concentration over .01%.

2009 Colorado Law:

• Drivers caught driving under the influence of alcohol will have their driving privileges suspended for 9 months instead of the current 12 months.

2009 Florida Law:

• The minimum wage in Florida will increase to $7.21 on January 1, 2009. It will increase again to $7.25 on July 24, 2009 to comply with federal minimum wage laws.

2009 Georgia Law:

• The definition of "uninsured motor vehicle" will change to allow uninsured motorist coverage to be combined ("stacked") with other liability coverage.

2009 Idaho Law:

• Insurance companies in Idaho must offer underinsured motorist coverage to their customers; policyholders who choose to skip this coverage must sign a rejection form.

2009 Massachusetts Law:

• Businesses and organizations are required to encrypt personal information (such as e-mail) sent to outside sources.

2009 New Hampshire Law:

• The Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008 will provide tax breaks to homeowners who install a solar electricity system or small wind turbine.

2009 North Carolina Laws:

• Drivers in North Carolina must purchase uninsured and underinsured car insurance coverage beginning January 1, 2009.

2009 Oregon Laws:

• The Oregon DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) will electronically verify citizenship status of driver's license applicants, and will begin to make note of immigration status on customer records.

• Smoking is prohibited within 10 feet of entrances, exits and windows that open in workplaces or other public places.

• On January 1, 2009, Oregon's minimum wage will increase from $7.95 to $8.40 per hour.

2009 Texas Laws:

• Retail stores must begin a move to fire standard compliant cigarettes (FSCC) in 2009. Non FSCC-compliant cigarettes may be sold until January 1, 2010, but only if they were purchased before January 1, 2009.

2009 Washington State Laws:

• The Washington minimum wage will increase 48 cents to $8.55, beginning January 1, 2009.

• All 2009 model vehicles must meet Washington clean air standards to be registered, leased, rented or sold for use in the state. If a car is purchased out of state, it may be required to meet Washington state clean air standards.