Governor
Peter Shumlin says cellular telephone users in parts of rural Caledonia
and Orange counties will soon see better service. That’s thanks
to a $2 million grant from the Federal Communications Commission.
Vermont
Attorney General Bill Sorrell says he’s not aware of any non-emergency
situations where cell phone records were requested by state authorities without
first getting court approval.
A recent dust up over cell phone tracking records highlights how new communications challenge open records laws. Also, working to save Vermont’s butternut trees.
Cell phone technology can be used by authorities to track where people are. And
the American Civil Liberties Union wants to know whether law enforcement uses
the technology in Vermont.
The
head of the Senate Transportation committee says it’s unlikely that his panel will
support a ban on cell phone use while driving. But it may take a serious look at prohibiting cell phone use by junior
operators.