Changes in the new fiscal year

Here's a rundown of new laws and regulations that take place today, the first day of the state fiscal year in Arkansas:

• The sales tax on energy consumption for manufacturers is reduced half a percentage point from 4.5% to 4.0%;

• The University of Arkansas formally goes tobacco free today. The university will rely on common courtesy for enforcement;

• Budget cuts of $107 million for this fiscal year announced by the Department of Finance and Administration will affect state agencies;

• The $1,000 penalty included in Act 637 of 2007 goes into effect today, meaning employers can be fined if they fail to check to see if their company's drivers appear on an alcohol and drug test database;

• Act 169 of 2007 takes effect, which creates a lifetime teaching license for already licensed public school teachers 65 years or older; and

• Today marks the first official day of Chancellor David Gearhart's administration (in his capacity as chancellor) at the University of Arkansas. He replaces Dr. John White, who took the position the year after I graduated. Chancellor Gearhart writes a guest column in today's Arkansas Democrat Gazette. Here's more on the new fiscal year from the Arkansas News Bureau.