New Bedford Democrat

January 21st is the day when the Mass. Senate will debate a bill that will require Bay State drivers to use hands free devices while driving. The bill, filed by Senator Mark Montigny of New Bedford, bans the use of any hand-held electronic devices, including cell phones while operating a motor vehicle...

Rep. Robert Koczera of New Bedford has filed legislation to reinstate the Clean Environment Fund as part of state government. The fund was done away with in 2003 because of budget constraints. Koczera says the fund would use a portion of unclaimed bottle deposits for grants to cities and towns needing help with solid waste management or recycling measures...