NEW MINNESOTA LAWS

Safer mascara, flags made in the USA and more information to use during your car buying experience are subjects of laws that go into effect on the first of January in Minnesota. The state is apparently the first to ban intentionally-added mercury in cosmetics as a preservative. Retailers could face a $700 fine for selling mercury-tainted mascara, eye liners and skin-tightening creams next year. Mercury is also banned in stoves, barometers, cooking thermometers, toiletries and fragrances and manufacturers could face a $10,000 fine if the mislable the product. Other new laws include the Car Buyers Bill of Rights that requires retailers to disclose the cost of vehicle add-ons and how they affect your monthly loan payment. The law also defines the term 'certified motor vehicle' and dealers must disclose if a consumer credit report was used to complete a loan transaction. Beginning next year, American flags sold in Minnesota must have been manufactured in the United States. And amusement rides have to have an annual state inspection and be inspected every day by the owner or operator. And school bus seats have to be safer after January 1 with thicker cushions and higher seat backs.