BOSTON – Democrats appear to be hesitant to pass anti-discrimination measures that would protect transgender people's access to public facilities such as restrooms and changing areas based on their sexual identification rather than their physical gender.
"There are a lot of members who have reservations," state Rep. John Fernandes (D-Milford), the co-chair of the Joint Committee on the Judiciary, told the State House News Service. Known to opponents as the "Bathroom Bill," the proposal pending in the House of Representatives, H 1577, remains under that panel's jurisdiction following a hearing on the matter Oct. 6, as does the Senate version, S 735.
BOSTON – Bay State lawmakers are pushing forward a bill that would permit only hands-free cell phone use while driving in Massachusetts.
Currently, engaging in text messaging while driving is illegal, as is any cell phone use by minors while behind the wheel. The measure proposed by state Rep. William Straus (D-Mattapoisett), the co-chairman of the joint House-Senate Transportation Committee, would bar all drivers from using a handheld phone while operating a car or truck.
