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I ON THE STATEHOUSE
Amendment opponents said that the cost of a special election would be an unfunded state mandate that would burden cities and towns with unnecessary expenses. They noted that there are rarely close or tie votes taken by the council and argued that there is no reason to hurt communities with the expenses of a special election. The proposed amendment was filed by Sen. Stanley Rosenberg (D-Amherst) who ultimately voted against it. (A "No" vote is against the amendment requiring a special election to fill a vacancy in the Governor's Council).
FILL LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR VACANCY Constitutional Convention 61-134, rejected a proposed constitutional amendment allowing the governor to appoint a lieutenant governor if that position becomes vacant. The governor's choice would be subject to confirmation by the Legislature. Currently if the lieutenant governor's office becomes vacant, there is no provision to appoint a replacement and the office simply remains vacant until the next regular election. Amendment supporters said that it is irresponsible to leave this office vacant. They noted that the proposed amendment is modeled after a federal amendment that allows the president to fill a vacancy in the vice presidency. Amendment opponents said that the amendment gives too much power to the governor and would result in a lieutenant governor who is not elected by the voters. They argued that it would be more democratic to wait until the next election when the voters would elect a lieutenant governor. (A "Yes" vote is for the amendment allowing the governor to appoint a lieutenant governor if that position becomes vacant. A "No" vote is against the amendment). Rep. Eric Turkington: No + Sen. Robert O'Leary: No ALSO UP ON BEACON HILL REGULATE TEEN DRIVERS The House gave new life to a bill increasing the requirements that teens under 18 must fulfill in order to obtain a driver's license and increasing the penalties for their driving violations. The measure has been languishing in the Legislature since July when the Senate approved a version that was different than the one okayed in June by the House. The House last week appointed three members to a conference committee to draft a compromise version and is now awaiting the Senate's appointments. SHAKEN BABY SYNDROME Gov. Romney signed into law a bill requiring the state to develop and implement a state-wide Shaken Baby Syndrome Prevention Program aimed at reducing deaths and disabilities of infants from the head trauma that results when someone unintentionally shakes a baby too hard. Supporters say that this syndrome is the leading cause of injury-related infant deaths nationwide. They noted that one-third of the victims are killed and that survivors often suffer residual physical and mental damage. BEN FRANKLIN Gov. Romney signed into law a proposal designating Ben Franklin as the state's official inventor. INCREASE PUNISHMENT FOR SEX WITH MINORS Gov. Romney signed into law a measure increasing to up to a 10 year prison sentence the punishment for anyone who pays for sex or arranges sex for money for a third party with a minor under 18 - whether the sex occurs or not. Under current law, the penalty is a one-year prison sentence and/or $500 fine - the same punishment for paying or arranging sex for money with an adult. - By Bob Katzen Bob Katzen can be reached at bob@beaconhillrollcall.com Copyright 2006 Beacon Hill Roll Call. All Rights Reserved. |
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