Beginning Jan. 1, 2010, Texas college freshmen and transfer students will need to be vaccinated against bacterial meningitis before they can live on campus. Restaurants in California can no longer use oils, margarine, or shortenings with more than half a gram of trans fat per serving. And stores in Louisiana can no longer sell lighters that appeal to children.

As always, a host of new laws take effect in the new year, ranging from the significant (same-sex couples will be able to marry in New Hampshire) to the bizarre (also in New Hampshire, physical therapists will be able to get certified to practice on animals).

In some states, the new laws are part of long-established trends; Illinois will join at least 18 other states when it bans drivers from sending texts while driving. In others, they’re ahead of the curve. California, for instance, is the first state to place limits on trans fats, though several local governments have done so.

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And several other states are considering similar payday loan regulations to Kentucky’s, says Meagan Dorsch, a spokesperson for the NCSL, noting that a number of states have paid attention to the financial-services sector this year.

“The theme for all the laws passed in 2009 would be the budget,” adds Ms. Dorsch. “Money is the starting and stopping point for any state program.”

For the laws going into effect Friday, it’s a more random selection. But some seem to reflect concerns emerging in the zeitgeist lately.