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A requirement that all American flags sold in the state to be manufactured in the United States is just one of the new laws taking effect in 2008.

By MARK BRUNSWICK

At the Earl James Howe Post 298 American Legion in Foley, Minn., club manager Mary Donovan can look around the hall and count the flags. Five hang proudly inside, not including the ones they keep for sale at $25 a piece. And there's the one flying outside.

Donovan can also assure you that they are all made in the U.S.A. "We wouldn't have them here if they weren't," she said.

From now on, all flag-waving Minnesotans will have to buy into that policy. A new state law that takes effect Tuesday requires all American flags sold in the state to be manufactured in the United States.

Violations of the law, sponsored by Iron Range legislators Rep. Tom Rukavina, DFL-Virginia, and Sen. David Tomassoni, DFL-Chisholm, could be punishable by a $1,000 fine or 90 days in jail.

In Arizona, schools and public colleges were required starting July 1 to put an American-made flag in every classroom from junior high on up. Tennessee requires all U.S. flags bought via state contract to be made domestically, and similar legislation was considered in New Jersey and Pennsylvania this year.

In 2006, $5.3 million worth of American flags were imported into the United States, nearly all of them made in China.

The Times of London sniffed at the anti-imported flag sentiment in its reporting on the Minnesota measure earlier this year, calling the law "a most draconian action" and saying it would "chime with the protectionist mood sweeping America."

But at the Earl James Howe Post, all 250 members are probably in support of the law, Donovan said.

"Just because it's what we believe in. It honors our country," she said.

Other new measures

While perhaps draped in less symbolism, several other laws take effect Tuesday in Minnesota that could have an impact on everyday life:

Car buyers' rights: New consumer disclosure requirements for vehicle add-ons will become available for car buyers. The law, sponsored by Rep. Steve Simon, DFL-St. Louis Park, and Sen. Ron Latz, DFL-St. Louis Park, also requires dealers to disclose whether a consumer credit report was used to approve a car loan and to provide a toll-free number for the car buyer to obtain a copy of the report.

Ride inspections: Operators of amusement rides will be required to get annual inspections by a certified inspector and then conduct an additional inspection each day under a new law sponsored by Rep. Tim Faust, DFL-Mora, and Sen. John Marty, DFL-Roseville. The law came in response to an incident in Faust's district in which two girls fell out of an amusement ride because of an operator error.

Mercury banned: Numerous products sold in Minnesota must be mercury-free, including stoves, barometers, cosmetics, toiletries and fragrances. In addition, some other products that contain mercury must have a label that notifies consumers of proper disposal procedures, under a law sponsored by Marty and Rep. Melissa Hortman, DFL-Brooklyn Park.

Medical coverage: Unmarried dependent children up to age 24 will have to be covered by some health insurers under family plans, no matter whether they are full-time students, under a measure from Rep. Tom Huntley, DFL-Duluth, and Sen. Linda Berglin, DFL-Minneapolis. Previously, only students were covered. The new rules do not apply to self-insured plans.

Bus standards: Some new regulations apply to school buses, including deeper and taller seats, under a law sponsored by Rep. Mindy Greiling, DFL-Roseville.

Mark Brunswick • 651-222-1636