RALEIGH – Some of the laws that have had your state in a frenzy as of late take effect Tuesday, including those that ease restrictions on concealed weapons in restaurants and education property and place additional rules on abortion.

People with concealed handgun permits can now carry their weapon within a restaurant where alcohol is served, provided they don’t drink or enter an establishment with a sign specifically prohibiting such weapons. Permit holders also will be allowed to store their handgun in a closed compartment inside a locked car at state government parking lots or outside any school.  Private colleges can narrow the changes slightly.

The new abortion law makes it illegal starting Tuesday to carry out abortions on the basis of gender and limits abortion coverage in insurance plans offered by cities and counties.