In 2008, more new rules. We already told you that this week, if you light up behind the wheel with kids in the car, this could mean a $100 fine.

Besides more crack-downs on smoking, the second increase in a year in the minimum wage goes into effect. The hourly pay has gone up by 50 cents to $8 per hour.

More new rules – the California Energy Commission has until the end of the year to develop tougher efficiency standards for general purpose lights. This same bill includes a subsidy program to encourage installation of solar water heaters.

Another new bill requires cities and counties to designate areas where shelters can be located without obtaining a conditional use permit. Here’s a weird one – a new law now prohibits an employer or anyone else from requiring a person to have a radio frequency identification device inserted under the skin. These devices, about the size of a rice grain, can be used to track and transmit personal information about the user.

A new bill now requires cities and counties to consider potential flooding when approving new development.

A new law prevents cities and counties from requiring landlords to obtain and report the immigration status of their tenants.

Ever lose your car key and have too pay big for a new one? No more. Senate Bill 1542 says Automakers must provide the key codes necessary for a licensed and registered locksmith to make a replacement key for cars sold or leased in California.

It’s now illegal to sell or use a product that impairs the recognition of a license plate by an electronic device operated by police.

Can you pump as much gas in the summer as winter? A new law has required a study to find out if motorists are cheated in hot weather.

There is much, much more, but these are ones you may encounter in daily life.

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