July is the month for new laws to take effect in many states. This year's crop is a mixed bag of reductions of and enhancements to economic freedom. Some examples:

• With the ban on goose liver paté, Californians now find it harder to order a good appetizer than to buy marijuana.
• Saggy pants are now banned in Tennessee schools, not because they can conceal weapons but because the Tennessee legislature felt disrespected.
• Want to practice music therapy in Georgia? You now need a license. Requirements for obtaining one to be decided by existing music therapists—you know, the ones with whom you'll be competing for business. Good luck with that.
• In Connecticut, if a bar code scanner rings up a price that is higher than advertised, the store must now give you the item for free. Expect no effect beyond retailers adding the words "or higher" to all advertised prices.
• The Constitution State also now requires interior designers to be licensed. Interior design isn't rocket science. And if you don't need a license to practice rocket science, you probably don't need one to select upholstery.