A summary of laws enacted during Maine's 2009 session For more detailed info on many of these bills, you can download a Word document here. TRANSPORTATION -- Distracted driving becomes a traffic infraction -- Motorcyclists, passengers up to age 18 must wear helmets -- Motorists must give walkers and runners at least 3 feet of clearance -- Bicyclists can't pass a stopped school bus -- Truckers who use alternative power units get help TAXES -- Top income tax rate lowered and sales tax broadened OUTDOORS -- Residents' snowmobile registration fees rise $5 -- Residents' hunting and fishing license fees increase by $4 -- Boat registrations rise $5 -- Whitewater rafting head fees rise $1 -- State may rent equipment such as canoes, kayaks and bicycles at its parks -- Game-hunting preserve can open in Piscataquis County -- Military members, veterans get free admission to state parks FAMILIES AND CHILDREN -- New efforts to locate independent contractors who owe child support -- Steps taken to require gambling businesses to hold winners' child support debts -- State services to help homeless youths and runaways CRIME -- Possession of up to 2 1/2 ounces of marijuana, double the current weight, becomes civil violation -- Offense of criminal possession of marijuana created for possession of at least 4 ounces -- New state standard says registered sex offenders may not live within 750 feet of schools or playgrounds -- Procedure for registered sex offenders to be removed from the state's online list if they are eligible -- School bus drivers and attendants must report suspected child abuse PUBLIC HEALTH -- Chain restaurants must post calorie information on menus and menu boards in 2011 -- Buyers of single-family dwellings and apartment buildings must certify smoke detectors installed -- Smoking in all outdoor public dining areas, such as patios and decks, banned -- Smoking on state park beaches, playgrounds, snack bars and group picnic shelters banned -- Dirigo health program gets new funding mechanism -- Hospital patient screening for infections ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT -- Sales of automotive wheel weights made with lead or mercury banned -- Fluorescent light bulb manufacturers must set up recycling programs to prevent mercury pollution -- Sales of button-cell batteries containing mercury banned -- Renters or condominium owners get more leeway to set up energy-saving solar units and clothes lines -- Permit process streamlined for companies to test renewable ocean energy technologies MISCELLANEOUS -- Same-sex marriages recognized -- Homeowners facing foreclosure get help -- Laid-off workers' retraining more accessible -- Mixed martial arts recognized -- Ban on "squaw" names on places expanded -- "Support Animal Welfare" registration plate OK'd -- Crates and cages that virtually immobilize breeding pigs and veal calves prohibited -- Funeral directors can keep cremated remains for just one year instead of four -- Out-of-state vineyards and producers can ship wine to Maine homes