Plenty of new Oregon laws in the new year

It’s a new year, which means several new laws have been put into place. As of Jan. 1, using cell phones behind the wheel has a larger fine, up to a maximum of $500. It’s also now illegal to smoke in the car with a child inside.

And if you’re looking for extra motivation to kick that cigarette habit, there’s a new cigarette tax. If you smoke, you’ll pay an extra 13 cents per pack this year making the total tax $1.31.

Also in 2014, new employers are not allowed to require access to your social media passwords. That goes for colleges and universities, too.

Anyone under the age of 18 is not allowed to tan in tanning beds any more, at least not without a doctor’s note and parental consent.

Those you with four-legged friends: It’s now illegal to tether a dog on a short leash for extended periods of time. Penalties could go as high as $6,000 and one year in jail.

Maybe most noteworthy of all, the minimum wage went up on Jan. 1, from $8.95 to $9.10.