Breast-feeding a civil right under new Washington law

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By Associated Press

Summary

Washington is joining dozens of other states in protecting the rights of mothers who breast-feed their children in public places like movie theaters, parks and shopping malls.

Story Published: Jul 23, 2009 at 10:15 AM PDT

Story Updated: Jul 23, 2009 at 10:15 AM PDT

Breast-feeding a civil right under new Washington law
OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) - Washington is joining dozens of other states in protecting the rights of mothers who breast-feed their children in public places like movie theaters, parks and shopping malls.

A new law takes effect Sunday, building on a 2001 law that exempted breast-feeding from public indecency laws.

Under another new law taking effect Sunday, convicted felons will be able to reregister to vote once they're no longer on parole or probation. It removes the requirement that felons must pay off all debts before their rights are restored.

Other new laws:

- A requirement that Washington-labeled wines have at least 95 percent of the grapes grown in the state.

- Prohibition of gun ownership for mentally ill people who have been involuntarily committed for two weeks or more.

- Teachers, school janitors and bus drivers must register as sex offenders if they are found guilty of having sex with students who are 18. The measure also applies to a foster parent who has sex with a foster child who is at least 16.

- Protection of pets owned by people who take out domestic violence restraining orders.

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