Boise, Idaho (KBOI) A ban on texting while driving was signed into law back in April... Enforcing that law is now in effect.

Greg Campbell, a Boise resident says, "I think it's good. I've had friends back in California that have had car accidents and such from texting so i actually think it was something that needed to happen."

If caught by police, expect to pay an $85 fine. A need for the law became apparent after Idaho crash data revealed 192 people died as a result of distracted driving along with more than 15,000 reported serious injures.

People who are repeatedly convicted of animal abuse will no longer get a slap on the wrist. The new animal cruelty law also takes affect. Under the old state law, repeat abusers were only charged with misdemeanors. Now if a person receives a third conviction for animal cruelty, it becomes a felony conviction. That means punishment equals time behind bars in addition to paying hefty fines.

Veterinarian Michael Harrington adds, "we see a lot of animal abuse from time to time and it's heart breaking but with any luck the new law will be helpful to curb some of that."

A youth concussion law is also being enforced. Under the new rules, parents are required to sign a concussion –information form before their child is allowed to participate on a sports team. Student athletes must now be removed from the field of play if they are suspected of suffering from a concussion. And they aren't allowed to return until they have medical clearance.

Boise resident Sandra Hyde adds, "I've been surprised for decades that school sports and professional sports both, never put safety first. It's always can you win the game and that frustrates me."

The concussion law also requires coaches, referres, game officials and even athletic trainers to review concussion guidelines on an annual basis.