(St. Paul, MN)  —  Several new laws are now in effect.  Laws that went into effect yesterday include measures that allow public employees to unionize and collectively bargain, and deal with business and commerce, the release of background checks to potential employers and licensure agencies, and guardianship rules.  The laws also include changes to regulations surrounding physician assistants, confidentiality regarding victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, harassment, or stalking, and eligibility for bonuses by Minnesota National Guard soldiers.  A complete list of new laws is available at the Minnesota House of Representatives website.