Senator William H. Nickerson (R-Greenwich) announced today his 2005 legislative agenda.

RAIL CARS Nickerson's bill provides for the replacement of the 340 rail cars on the Metro-North line. Nickerson said, "We must move urgently to authorize the replacement of rail cars which are far past their useful life and are responsible for continued deterioration of service. Replacement of these cars is vital in order to enhance the use of Metro-North rail for intrastate commuting, which is the only way we will work our way out of the unsustainable glut on I-95 and the Merritt Parkway. Failure to replace these cars would damage our economy, hurt our environment and threaten highway safety."

CELL PHONES Nickerson's bill would prohibit the use of hand held cellular telephones while operating a motor vehicle. Nickerson said, "Cell phones are a major distraction and impediment to safe driving, as has been recognized in New York State which prohibits their use."

LIQUOR IN VEHICLES Nickerson's bill would prohibit having an open liquor container in a motor vehicle. Nickerson said, "Today police are hobbled in making arrests for drinking while driving unless they see the driver swallowing the liquor. It is bizarre that in Connecticut it is legal to drive while holding an open bottle of liquor. Connecticut should join the other 35 states which have a similar common sense prohibition. Moreover by failing to act the state is losing $5.5 million in federal construction funds which are diverted towards a "safety program" "

DRIVER'S LICENSE AUTHENTICITY Nickerson's bill would require the Department of Motor Vehicles to carefully authenticate the identity of an applicant for a driver's license. Nickerson said, "Today driver's licenses function as a type of identity document needed, for example, to enter an office building or board a plane, so we must be vigilant in the identity of applicants."

MEDICAL MALPRACTICE Nickerson's bill would require a reform of the medical malpractice field in Connecticut including a cap on non-economic damages and improved peer review of negligent doctors in order to prevent injuries. Nickerson said, "The present soaring medical insurance costs have led to doctors retiring early and leaving the profession, thus limiting patient access and driving up costs. The legislature has failed twice to meaningfully address this issue and 2005 is the year."

STEM CELL RESEARCH Nickerson's bill would allow stem cell research to be done in Connecticut while addressing the important ethical and medical implications. Nickerson said, "I join with Governor Rell supporting carefully controlled research which can save lives and will in any event occur in other states."

STATE'S ATTORNEYS SUBPOENAS Nickerson's bill would allow the Office of the State's Attorney to issue subpoenas compelling witnesses to testify in criminal investigations. Nickerson said, "State criminal investigations have been hobbled due to the fact that federal investigators and the General Assembly itself have authority to issue subpoenas but, oddly, the State's Attorneys Office does not."