By T.W. Budig
ECM Capitol reporter
A number of new laws lawmakers passed last session will go into effect with the turn of the year.

One new law, carried in the Senate by Sen. Sandy Rummel, DFL-White Bear Lake,  bans the sales of cups and bottles for use by children under age three that contain the chemical Bisphenol-A — a chemical deemed hazardous.

Another new law requires nonresidents to purchase an ATV trail pass if they want to ride an all-terrain vehicle on state or grant-in-aid trails.

The annual pass costs $20.

One new law carried by a local lawmaker, Rep. Gail Kulick Jackson, DFL-Milaca, deals with guardianship and protective orders from other states as interpreted in Minnesota, according to the House Public Information review of new laws.

Another new law, carried by two big city lawmakers, will require most metro residents to use plastic bags for yard waste that have been deemed compostable by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).

Bags deemed acceptable for use under the new law must carry the ASTM seal of approval.

Big cities with organized yard waste collection systems are exempted from the law until Jan. 1, 2013.

People selling non-certified trash bags could face fines up to $5,000.

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