WVTK Local & State News June 17, 2014

If you smoke, starting July 1st it will be illegal to smoke in a car with children present. The new law applies when kids have to be in a car seat, which is typically children under the age of 8. The new law also applies to when there are older children who are still under a certain height and weight. The fine for those caught in the act is $100.

The New York Senate has passed a bill to stop identity thieves who target children. The bill previously passed the New York Assembly and now heads to the Governor for consideration. A press release says the bill would help stop identity thieves from victimizing children by requiring credit agencies to place a credit record freeze on an account of a minor when requested by a parent or guardian. Parents are urged to check their children's credit reports to see if their personal information is being misused, and to take immediate action if it is.

New England governors are calling for stronger cross-border monitoring of prescription drugs as part of a regional strategy for fighting opioid abuse. Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick convened a meeting Tuesday in Waltham, Mass. Governors from New Hampshire, Connecticut, Rhode Island, along with Peter Shumlin all attended the meeting. The governors announced an agreement to strengthen the sharing of data on prescription painkillers that officials say can lead to heroin abuse. Shumlin said it is a battle all the states need to fight together.

A former staffer at the University of Vermont is going to prison. Jody Farnham was sentenced yesterday to 13 months in prison followed by three years of probation, plus she'll have to repay the university 200-thousand dollars. Farnham pleaded guilty to stealing at least 185-thousand dollars from the school's artisan cheese-making program. Farnham, who worked as an administrator, admitted to diverting tuition checks which had been earmarked for the program which closed down last year.

A family-owned taxi service in Burlington is closing for good. Management of Benway's Taxi confirmed last night that they're shutting down, a move which will effect about 100 workers. They are not saying if this will affect Benway's other transportation services which fall under its umbrella company Morf Transportation. More details are expected to be released soon.