intentional walk rule for 2018

[SWFLguy]

Although I am officially retired from umpiring, I like to see what is going on. I see that the Federation now allows an automatic intentional walk. I was talking to a couple people the other day and they insist this is not a new rule. Don't know what planet they were from, but I never heard of such a rule in high school softball in central NY or here in SW FL. Anyone agree with me?
Also, while I'm here, I see that umpires will no longer be required to check equipment before a game. I have mixed feelings about this. One one hand the lengthy illegal bat list and other PIAs I think were not needed, checking batting helmets and basic bat check to see that something like a little league or slo-pitch bat is not in play was a good idea.
Hope everyone's seasons go well. Games here begin in a couple weeks. Wish I was still healthy enough to be out on the field.