THE REVERE ADVOCATE - Friday, July 7, 2017
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Beacon Hill Roll Call By Bob Katzen THE HOUSE AND SENATE. Beacon Hill Roll Call records local legislators’ votes on roll calls from the week of June 26-30. The Senate approved on a voice vote, without a roll call, a measure (S 2092) that would prohibit drivers from using a hand-held cell phone or another device to make a call, use the device’s camera or access social media. The measure allows drivers to use only a hands-free phone. Use of a hand-held phone would be permitted in emer-
gencies including if the vehicle was disabled; medical attention or assistance was required; police, fire or other emergency services were necessary for someone’s personal safety; or a disabled vehicle or an accident was present on a roadway. Violators would be fined $100 for a first offense, $250 for a second offense and $500 for a third and subsequent offense. A third offense would result in the violation being be considered a moving violation for purposes of the safe driver insurance plan.
Supporters said that the bill would save lives and prevent accidents. They noted that the measure does not ban cell phone use but simply requires the use of hands-free ones. They pointed to accidents, deaths and injuries involving handheld cell phones. Some opponents said that the restriction is another example of government intrusion into people’s cars and lives. Others noted that there are already laws on the books prohibiting driving while distracted. REDUCE FINES FOR CELL PHONE VIOLATIONS (S 2092) Senate 12-26, rejected an amendment that would reduce the proposed fines for using a hand-held telephone. The fine for a first offense would be reduced from $100 to $50; a second offense from $250 to $100; and third and subsequent offenses from $500 to $150. The amendment also eliminates the part of the bill that makes a third offense a moving violation for purposes of the safe driver in-
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surance plan. Amendment supporters said the fines are too high and discriminate against poor people who cannot afford them. They noted that research found 105 residents from three counties were jailed in 2015 because they couldn’t afford to pay fees and fines. Amendment opponents said the higher fines are reasonable and are designed to discourage drivers from breaking the law and putting lives at risk. They said that reducing the fines will result in more violations. (A “Yes” vote is for the amendment. A “No” vote is against it.) Sen. Joseph Boncore No FAIRNESS FOR PREGNANT WORKERS (S 2093) Senate 38-0, approved the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act aimed at preventing discrimination based on pregnancy and guaranteeing reasonable accommodations and safety measures for pregnant mothers. Reasonable accommodations include time off to recover from childbirth; more frequent, longer paid or unpaid breaks; acquiring or modifying equipment or seating arrangements; obtaining a temporary transfer; and a private non-bathroom space for expressing breast milk -- unless any of these would create undue hardship on the employer. The legislation also prohibits an employer from discriminating against, refusing to employ or firing a woman because she is pregnant or has a condition related to pregnancy. Supporters said a pregnant woman should not have to fear losing her job when she could continue working with some reasonable adjustments. They argued the bill would ensure pregnant women are treated fairly in the workplace. The House has approved a different version of the bill. The Senate version now goes to the House for consideration. (A “Yes” vote is for the bill.) Sen. Joseph Boncore Yes HEALTH OF THE BABY (S 2093) Senate 38-0, approved an amendment that would guarantee that a pregnant woman is accommodated and allowed to take time off from work if the health and wellbeing of her baby are at stake. Amendment supporters said the bill, without the amend-
ment, does not go far enough and takes into consideration only the woman’s health. They cited incidents in which an ultrasound showed a cyst on a baby’s brain and the mother had to go for extra tests and to additional doctors. They argued that without the amendment, the employer would not be required to allow the mother the time to take off from work. (A “Yes” vote is for the amendment.) Sen. Joseph Boncore Yes HOW LONG WAS L AST WEEK’S SESSION? Beacon Hill Roll Call tracks the length of time that the House and Senate were in session each week. Many legislators say that legislative sessions are only one aspect of the Legislature’s job and that a lot of important work is done outside of the House and Senate chambers. They note that their jobs also involve committee work, research, constituent work and other matters that are important to their districts. Critics say that the Legislature does not meet regularly or long enough to debate and vote in public view on the thousands of pieces of legislation that have been filed. They note that the infrequency and brief length of sessions are misguided and lead to irresponsible late-night sessions and a mad rush to act on dozens of bills in the days immediately preceding the end of an annual session. During the week of June 2630, the House met for a total of 16 hours and 53 minutes and the Senate met for a total of 16 hours and 58 minutes. MON. JUNE 26 House11:00 a.m. to 12:47 p.m. Senate 11:03 a.m. to 12:47 p.m. TUES. JUNE 27 No House session No Senate session WED. JUNE 28 No House session No Senate session THURS. JUNE 29 House 11:02 a.m. to 8:54 p.m. Senate11:14 a.m. to 8:48 p.m. FRI. JUNE 30 House11:04 a.m. to4:18 p.m. Senate 11:05 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Bob Katzen welcomes feedback at bob@beaconhillrollcall.com
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