As Americans, it is easy to only become familiar with laws that have gained a lot of media attention. Take the legalization of gay marriage for example. This law gained global attention, and you would have been hard pressed not to find a citizen nationwide who had not heard about the new federal legislation.
It has been more than 200 years since the U.S. Constitution was created, and since then, there has been a total of 27 constitutional amendments added to the defining doctrine of our nation. But there is a complicated or unknown history for many state rules and federal regulations that many Americans are unaware of, considering at any present moment there are about 300 bills waiting Senate action.
Some of these state rules are so wacky you have to read to believe. Read on for some laughs.
Arizona
- If you cut down a cactus, you can be sentenced to 25 years in prison.
- If someone catches you stealing soap, you must wash yourself until the bar of soap is completely used.
Idaho
It is illegal for a man to give his fiance a box of candy that weighs more than 50 pounds.
Indiana
It is illegal to attend any event or use public transport within four hours of eating onions or garlic.
Louisiana
It is illegal to rob a bank and then shoot the bank teller with a water pistol.
New York
If you are caught jumping off of a building, the legal statute is to be punished by death.
North Carolina
- A bingo game cannot last more than five hours.
- It is against the law to sing off-key.
Ohio
It is illegal to get a fish drunk.
Rhode Island
On a Sunday, you are not allowed to sell a toothbrush and toothpaste to the same person.
Texas
- It is illegal to sell your eyeballs.
- In San Antonio, flirting is against the law.
Utah
Marrying a cousin is only illegal if they are younger than 65-years-old.
Washington
- You are not able to buy meat of any kind on a Sunday.
- It is illegal to harass Bigfoot.
Wyoming
Between January to April, you are not able to take a picture of a rabbit without an official permit.
If you didn’t know these laws, not to worry. Legislative Intent Services is available for all your legislative research needs. Go ahead — explore as you will never know what you may find!