By Marshall Griffin, KWMU
Jefferson City, MO – In Missouri, August 28th marks the day new state laws take effect.
First, Missouri HealthNet officially began operating Monday. The $6 billion program will gradually replace the state's Medicaid system and take full effect next year.
Also, people in Missouri can now use deadly force inside their homes, vehicles, campers, tents or hotel rooms against intruders without having to flee first.
Another new law allows counties to drop the 3-day waiting period before couples can get a marriage license.
Social Security recipients no longer have to pay state income taxes on their benefits.
And it's now illegal for anyone, including the news media, to reveal the identity of people involved in executing Death Row inmates.