No sleeping in a cheese factory -- and 6 other bizarre state laws

No sleeping in a cheese factory — and 6 other bizarre state laws

June 16, 2010 by Jared Bilski

Posted in: Government, In this week's e-newsletter, Latest news & views, Lighter-side

After complying with all the necessary federal laws and regs, businesses still have to worry about what individual states say they can and can’t do.

And you’d probably be surprised by what you can get in trouble for in some states.

Here are 1o of the most unusual state laws that are still on the books – courtesy of DivineCaroline:

Arkansas: It’s illegal to mispronounce the name of the state of Arkansas.
Georgia: It’s illegal to change the clothes on a storefront mannequin unless you draw the shades first.
Kansas: It’s illegal for throw knives at men wearing striped suits (in Natoma, KS).
Oklahoma: You cannot take a bite out of another person’s hamburger.
South Dakota: It’s illegal to lie down and fall asleep in a cheese factory.
Wisconsin: Unless a customer directly asks for it, margarine may not be substituted for butter in a restaurant.
Wyoming: You may not take a picture of a rabbit from January to April — unless you have an official permit.

You can view the complete list here.

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Tags: Arkansas, Cheese factory, DivineCaroline, Federal laws, Georgia, State laws

Anne

Ok, now I know legislators have a lot of time on their hands. I’m sure when a lot of these were initially born, there was some logical reason why they needed these laws. But now I know why Will Rogers would get up in front of an audience and read a newspaper to entertain. He said something once to the effect of “Congress makes a joke and it becomes law, they make a law and it becomes a joke”. So true, so true!

Texas still has laws on the books about different things.
If 2 people are dating and out in public in Texas, if someone says Mr and Mrs about them, they are considered common law married. Also, if either one says they are married, in public, then they are considered common law married.
People can still get hung for the rustling (stealing) of cattle or horses.
Tom

Sullivans Island SC has a law pending that would outlaw singing and whistling in public. The basis for the law is it treats singing/whistling as disturbing the peace. It takes effect next month (July 2010). Guess Sullivans Island will not be on audition schedule for American Idol next year.