Many states spent 2009 passing some new and often times surprising laws. Many are expected to take effect this year.

One of the most surprising laws North Carolina's ban on smoking ban in bars and restaurants. The state is the largest tobacco producer in the U.S.

American can also expect county's roads to be safer in 2010. Bans on texting while driving will go into effect in New Hampshire, Oregon and Illinois. That makes 19 states that have outlawed the practice.

Arkansas will start enforcing a new law that bans retailers from selling toy guns that resemble to the actual weapon.

California will become the first state to ban the use of artificial trans fats in restaurants. The state will also start enforcing a new law that will make it easier for celebrities to sue media outlets for invasion of privacy.

Massachusetts is outlawing dog racing - a 75-year-old tradition of that state.

And in Oregon employers will no longer be allowed ban their employees they from wearing religious clothing on the job.