Capitol comments
By State Rep. Patricia A. Walrath 3rd Middlesex District

Region - Summer has not slowed down the activity at the State House. Here are some recent happenings:

Constitutional Convention: On June 14, the State House was bustling inside and outside with same-sex marriage supporters and opponents holding signs, singing and chanting their respective views. As the proposed amendment to the Massachusetts Constitution was written, only people in heterosexual marriages would be able to receive benefits such as health insurance coverage and survivorship rights that are accorded married couples. If the language had become part of our Constitution, same-sex couples would be denied the rights afforded heterosexual couples. I believe this amendment was unconstitutional in that it was discriminatory in its denial of benefits and I voted against it. The proposed amendment did not receive enough legislators' votes to move forward; the final tally was 151 no votes and 45 yes votes.

Film Industry Legislation: A bill that, if it becomes law, would likely draw at least four major movies to be filmed in Massachusetts, was recently approved in the House. Films that would potentially be filmed here include a "Pink Panther" production and a sequel to the Boston-based crime drama "The Departed." This bill would build on a previous law, which led to filming/ plans for filming five films in Massachusetts. Film industry income in the commonwealth in 2007 was more than it had been in the previous seven years combined.

Seat Belt Law: Two proposed bills, one from the House and one from the Senate, would enable police officers to pull over drivers for not wearing seat belts, fine them $25 and an additional $25 for each passenger who is not wearing a seat belt. Currently, police officers may pull motorists over for other off enses and issue a fine if they find the motorist or passengers not wearing a seat belt.

Booster Seat Bill: A bill was recently heard that would require parents to place children shorter than 4'9" in child safety restraints or pay a $25 fine. The current law requires that children up to 5 years old and those weighing 40 pounds or less be in a car seat or a booster seat. Booster seats ensure proper seat belt alignment, which prevents death and injury in car accidents.

On-Time Wages: Proposed legislation was heard that would require employers to pay triple an employee's wages if a paycheck was not given to the employee on time. The bill was filed during the previous session, but did not become law.

Breastfeeding Protections: Two proposed bills would protect nursing mothers from being charged with "lewd and indecent unlawful conduct" while breastfeeding their infants. The bills would also protect nursing mothers from discriminatory practices in workplaces. The legislation calls for a study on incidents of breastfeeding discrimination.

FIRST Robotics: FIRST Robotics teams from across the commonwealth visited the State House to display their creations and demonstrate how they work. FIRST stands for "For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology." Each team has six weeks to design and build a remotecontrolled robot to help them compete in the designated game that year. Team 1768 NASA & Nashoba Regional High School finished their season in March when they participated in the Boston Regional. For more information, check out the National FIRST Robotics Web site at www.usfirst.org and Team 1768 site at www.nashobarobotics.org.

Independence Day: On July 4, we celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia by the Continental Congress in 1776. The president of the Congress at the time was John Hancock of Massachusetts, the very first signer of the document. On this day, we remember not only historic moments but also our military who keep us safe and guard our country. Thank you to all who are currently, or have been, in the armed forces and those who've waited at home. Best wishes to all for a Happy Independence Day!

As always, please feel free to share your questions, comments or opinions with me by calling (617) 722-2430; writing to Room 236 State House, Boston, MA 02133; or sending email to Rep.PatriciaWalrath@ hou.state.ma.us. Editor's note: Rep. Walrath serves the 3rd Middlesex District of Hudson, Bolton, Maynard and Stow.