| Busy committees clear bills on prison rape, parole, TYC, medical ...
Time for Grits' weekly rundown of this weeks' Texas legislative committe action. It's the busiest time of the legislative season, and in the scheme of things the legislation moving this week in the Texas Legislature on criminal justice matters was pretty positive, I'm happy to report. Easily the biggest news was the presentation of Senate and House budgets, the criminal justice implications of which are discussed here. But lots of other important legislation is moving, too. Here are some of the week's highlights, starting with a slew of bills passed out of the House Corrections Committee (not comprehensive): * HB 1944 which would create an "ombudsman's" office to receive complaints from inmates about sexual assault and assist in compiling reports, making policies, and ensuring investigations don't fall through the cracks.
How state lawmakers voted
Regarding the use of electronic wireless communications devices for text messaging while operating a moving motor vehicle: By a vote of 90 to 8 on April 17, the House concurred with the Senate amendments and approved HB 1214, which would prohibit the use of a wireless device for sending a text message while driving. Exceptions are provided for emergency responders, or individuals reporting illegal activity, reporting an emergency, or trying to prevent injury to other people or property. A violation of this act would be considered a traffic infraction. The bill has passed both chambers and is now under consideration by the governor. Voting yes: Rep. Al O'Brien, D-Mountlake Terrace; Rep. Mark Ericks, D-Bothell; Rep. Jay Rodne, R-North Bend; Rep. Glenn Anderson, R-Fall City; Rep.
Radiographers Pay Talks At Delicate Stage
The union for radiographers taking industrial action says it is in mediation with District Health Boards and describes the talks as being at a delicate stage.The industrial action is underway at seven DHBs as radiographers continue to seek pay parity with colleagues in other districts.The APEX union's national secretary, Deborah Powell, says unless the 25 percent of radiographers on a lesser deal are brought up to an equal pay level, an impasse will remain.She says no formal settlement talks are arranged, but mediation is continuing between the union and representatives of the DHBs.© NewsRoom 2007 .
Solana wants negotiation for Iran nuclear issue
EU foreign policy chief says he wants to contact Iran's chief nuclear negotiator, Ali Larijani, in hopes of peacefully settling the issue, following Saturday's UN resolution to tighten sanctions on Iran for its nuclear program.
"I'm going to get in contact with Mr. Larijani this morning, if I can, to see if we can find a route that would allow us to go into negotiations," Solana told reporters on Sunday.
"Iran is an important country, for the EU it is an important partner, and we would like to develop the relationship further, but for that Iran has to comply with its obligations," he said.
"I am prepared to do as much as necessary. On my part, I will not diminish any political effort to see if we can resolve this peacefully," Solana reiterated.
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