Committee gives unanimous approval to cell phone record protection bill
Utilities Committee adds clause that would make bill become law immediately

AUGUSTA – A bill introduced by State Rep. John Brautigam, D-Falmouth/North Deering, that would protect cell phone users from having their call records sold over the internet was endorsed by the Utilities and Energy Committee on March23rd. The Committee voted unanimously in favor of passing the bill, and added a clause that would require the bill to go into law immediately after Governor Baldacci signs it, instead of after the traditional 90-day waiting period.

Brautigam was one of the first legislators in the country to work to close the legal loophole that allows unscrupulous companies that acquire private cell phone records to sell them over the internet, usually for a price of about $100 for a month’s worth of the records of virtually any cell phone user. His legislation has become a model for other states, and was recognized by representatives from Sprint/Nextel as one of the better versions of the consumer protection law among all states addressing the loophole.

Representatives from major cell phone providers, private investigators, the Maine Attorney General’s Office and the Department of Public Safety all spoke in support of the bill, LD 2038 – An Act to Protect the Privacy of Cellular Telephone Users, at a public hearing on March 16. Nobody spoke in opposition.

“The possibilities of what someone can do with this information are frightening,” said Brautigam. “Jealous spouses or partners, domestic abusers, suspicious employers and even dangerous criminals can use this information - which most people assume is kept private - for nefarious purposes.”

The bill will now go before the entire House for an initial vote. Many bills that earn unanimous committee approval pass through the legislature without debate.

SATURDAY, MARCH 25
“Take Me Out to the Ballgame”
Let the BOY SINGERS OF MAINE, with Master of Ceremonies, BRUCE GLASIER, and Special Guests, TAKE YOU OUT TO THE BALLGAME on SATURDAY, MARCH 25 !

“Take Me Out To The Ballgame” A Celebration of our National Pastime, with music, comedy, and baseball lore, an elegant cheese and dessert buffet, and great silent auction and raffles, to benefit The Boy Singers of Maine at The Italian Heritage Center, 40 Westland Ave.,
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. – Performances start at 7 p.m. Tickets $20 Cash bar
Tickets: Starbird Music, 525 Forest Avenue, Portland Books Etc., 240 Route 1, Falmouth or call the Boy Singers: 797-6354

A real Baseball Celebration -- “Who’s On First?”, “Casey At The Bat”, “Damn Yankees”, “You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown” and more -- an evening of foot-tapping tunes, hilarious comedy and fun baseball facts and lore, along with a delicious cheese and dessert buffet, great Silent Auction values and wonderful Raffle items to make an unforgettable night.
For further information call Robert Jay White at (207) 294-4470.

WHAT'S HAPPENING TODAY
Saturday, March 25
Please come to a night of Short Plays at ST. LAWRENCE ARTS AND COMMUNITY CENTER 76 Congress Street. If you want to come for free, we are looking for an extra set of hands every night to run box office or help seat people or whatever.
SATURDAY, MARCH 25 at 8 p.m.
JOHN MANDERINO NIGHT
"Audrey" "Friendly Fred" "Jill and Jack" "Paul and His Mom" "Wolfman and Janice"