Decriminalized pot in Md., yoga tax in DC now law

WASHINGTON (AP) — A spate of new laws went into effect Wednesday for the District of Columbia and Maryland.

Now, getting caught with less than 10 grams of marijuana will be akin to getting a parking ticket. Instead of jail time, civil penalties will include $100 for a first offense, $250 for a second and $500 for a third.

Another Maryland law protects transgender residents against job, housing and other discrimination. And anyone who commits domestic violence in front of children will face an extra five years in prison.

In the District, residents now have a controversial 5.75 percent sales tax on gym memberships, yoga classes, car washes and other services. The city also will give employees up to two months of paid leave for the birth or adoption of a child.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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