Page 16 THE REVERE ADVOCATE - Friday, May 24, 2019 Beacon Hill Roll Call By Bob Katzen ATE Beacon Hill Roll Call records local representatives’ vote on the only roll call from the week of May 13-17. There were no roll calls in the Senate last week. A note from Bob Katzen to Beacon Hill Roll Call readers: MASSTERLIST IS FREE! Join 17,000 other people from movers and shakers to political junkies and interested citizens who start their morning with a copy of MASSterList! ~ Home of the Week ~ SAUGUS....PERFECTLY located & maintained one-owner Contemporary style Tri-level boasting 12 rms, 3-4 bdrms, 3 1/2 baths, lvrm open to entertainment-size dnrm both w/cath ceilings, oversized 20’ kit (2002) features stunning granite counters & backsplash, stainless appliances (2019), dining area & ct flooring, 1st flr famrm w/ gas (propane) fireplace & cath ceiling open to step-down heated sunrm w/atrium door overlooking gorgeous yard, convenient 1st flr laundry, main bath(2002) open to master bdrm offers double sink, marble vanity, oversized shower w/glass enclosure, cen air(2 units), finished lower level w/fireplace playrm, 2 additional rms all with newer ct flooring, updated au-pair suite, perfect for the lg or extended family. Updates:heat(2002), hardwood flooring(2004), windows(2002-2004), roof(2007), security system, exterior cedar impressions & stone work(2007) & NEW electrical panel, large, level lot w/irrigation system, IG gunite pool w/cement patio, cabana w/kit & half bath. Indian Rock! Offered at $799,900 335 Central Street, Saugus, MA 01906 (781) 233-7300 View the interior of this home right on your smartphone. View all our listings at: CarpenitoRealEstate.com THE HOUSE AND SENA.B.C. CIGAR Cigars * Accessories VAPES * JUULS * JUICE-RELATED ITEMS GIFT CARDS! 170 REVERE ST., REVERE OPEN: Mon.-Sat. 8 AM - 8 PM Sun. - Holidays: 8 AM - 6 PM (781) 289-4959 If You Use Any Of Our Products, Chris Moore & Staff Will Help You And Save You Money! MAY SPECIAL Buy any Box of Romeo & Julieta Cigars and get a 5-Pack of Romeo & Julieta Cigars - Variety Pack - FREE! (Retail value over $40.) CREATING BETTER DAYS NATURE’S SUPPLEMENT, ALL NATURAL, CBD INFUSED PRODUCTS - EDIBLES * Concentrates * Topicals ALWAYS ON SALE! CIGARS OF ALL TYPES - Cigar Accessories SMOKER’S DELIGHT 15 Churchill Cigars including a Cohiba - A True Smoker’s Delight - $39.95 Father’s Day is Coming! MASSterList is a daily ensemble of news and commentary about the Legislature, Politics, Media and Judiciary of Massachusetts drawn from major news organizations as well as specialized publications selected by widely acclaimed and highly experienced editor Jay Fitzgerald. Jay introduces each article in his own clever and never-boring, inimitable way. Go to: www.massterlist. com/subscribe Type in your e-mail address and in 15 seconds you will be signed up for a free subscription. BAN HAND-HELD CELL PHONES (H 3149) House 152-2, approved and sent to the Senate a bill that would prohibit drivers from using a hand-held cell phone or other electronic device to make a call or access social media. The measure allows drivers to use only a handsfree phone but allows the driver to perform a single tap or swipe to activate or deactivate the hands-free mode feature. Use of a hand-held phone would be permitted in emergencies 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 offense and subsequent offenses. The violation would not count as a surchargeable offense that could lead to higher insurance rates for the violator. If the law is approved by the Senate and signed into law by Gov. Charlie Baker, police officers would only issue warnings to violators instead of fines until December 31, 2019. The Senate will debate a similar bill on June 6 and supporters are confident that it will be approved by the Senate. Gov. Baker is on record in favor of a ban which was part of a road safety bill he filed in January. Supporters say that the bill would save lives and prevent accidents. They note that the measure does not ban cellphone use but simply requires the use of hands-free ones. They pointed to accidents, deaths and injuries involving handheld cell phones. “I am pleased that this bill passed the House and I am cautiously optimistic that the Senate will give its approval and the governor will sign it into law,” said Rep. John Barrett (D-North Adams). “Too many lives have been lost in recent years by distracted drivers.” “The Senate is ready to finally deliver this to the governor’s desk so that we can end the needless destruction and loss of life on our roadways,” said Sen. Mark Montigny (D-New Bedford) in a statement to the State House News Service. Montigny who has filed the bill for 15 years will take the lead in getting the measure approved in the Senate. Similar legislation has been approved by the Senate in the 2015-2016 and 2017-2018 sessions and the 2017-2018 sessions but never made it to the governor’s desk. Some opponents say that the restriction is another example of government intrusion into people’s cars and lives. Others note that there are already laws on the books prohibiting driving while distracted. “Studies on the effectiveness of hands-free vs. handheld cellphone operation of a motor vehicle are inconclusive at best,” said Rep. Peter Durant (R-Spencer), one of the two members who voted against the measure. “The real culprit in distracted driving is texting, which was already banned in 2010 but are still at staggeringly high levels. This bill doesn’t solve the problem of distracted driving and we could have used the money spent in this bill to provide better public awareness of the dangers and consequences of texting and driving.” The other member who voted against the measure was Rep. David DeCoste (RNorwell). DeCoste did not respond to repeated attempts by Beacon Hill Roll Call asking why he voted against the bill. “With widespread cell phone use, a traffic hazard has exploded on the roads of t commonwealth and frankly around the country over the last 10 to 15 years,” said Rep. William Straus (D-Mattapoisett) House chair of the Joint Committee on Transportation. “This legislation makes clear that drivers must keep their hands and eyes on the road and not on cell phones. Cell phone use while driving is a threat to safety not only to the driver but also to others that share the roads with those who choose to use a cellphone while driving. With the passage of this important legislation, I’m hopeful all motorists will focus on driving safely without cell phone distractions.” “I thought of my constituent Katie Brannelly who had a beautiful life dedicated in service to others,” said Rep. John BEACON | SEE PAGE 17
17 Publizr Home