New 2013 CA laws affect online privacy, homeowners, schools

From protecting your online privacy to party buses, there are 750 new California laws taking effect in 2013.

As of Tuesday, job applicants will no longer have to give up their Facebook or other social media passwords to prospective employers. This also applies to students applying to state universities.

A law to help struggling home owners is also now in place. It bans dual-tracking so that banks can't foreclose on a home while pursuing a loan modification.

The law also increases penalties for "robo-signing," which is automatic approval for a foreclosure without reading documents. Homeowners can also sue for significant violations.

The second part of the DREAM Act goes into effect Tuesday. It allows students who are exempt from paying non-resident tuition and who are ineligible for federal financial aid to receive grants and scholarships from the state.

Other changes in the state include:

- Coaches and administrators in grades K through 12 will be required to report suspected child abuse.

- The Silver Alert program will begin, which will help locate missing seniors. It's similar to the Amber Alert program.

- Carrying unloaded rifles and shotguns in public is not allowed.

- Party bus operators will be held to the same standards as limo companies.

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