TREATMENT OF CIRCUS ELEPHANTS (S 1870) - The Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development heard heated testimony on legislation that would ban the use of bull hooks and chains on circus elephants. Violators would be punished by up to a $5,000 fine and/or a year in jail. Supporters said that these elephants are treated poorly and are routinely beaten with bull hooks and chained up for most of the day. Opponents said that the hooks are simply training tools that help to guide and train an elephant. They disputed any cruelty charges and argued that this proposed law would spell the end of circuses in Massachusetts. The committee is also considering a bill that would provide that the state urge all school departments and local governments to encourage "public participation in programs and activities that highlight local and national, cultural, social and ethnic traditions of all citizens of the commonwealth" (H 3141).

Another bill on the committee's agenda would create a special commission to study the feasibility of the Bay State bidding for a future summer Olympics (H 3143).

NEW MOTHERS (S 57) - The Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities held a hearing on a measure requiring that employees on maternity leave for the adoption of a child be entitled to the same benefits offered to an employee on maternity leave for the birth of a child. The committee is also considering bills that would ban adults from playgrounds unless they are accompanying a child (H 151) and require that public schools list the amount of carbohydrates contained in all food products served to diabetic children, teachers and faculty (H 159).

GUN LICENSE AND ALZHEIMER'S (H 2258)- The Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee approved legislation requiring physicians who are treating patients with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia to make inquiries about whether the person owns any firearms. The physician would then be required to notify the person's local police chief who would take action to revoke any firearm identification cards and remove all firearms.