Region/state briefs 03/12/03

Maryville seeking to stop some alcohol specials

MARYVILLE, Mo. -- The party may not be over for some Northwest Missouri State University students, but it may soon be more expensive.

The university is pushing Maryville city officials to enact a ban on all-you-can drink specials at the city's bars.

City officials say they would prefer a compromise that would help bar owners make a living while discouraging binge drinking, without passing new laws.

The Associated Press called some bars in Maryville Tuesday. Bar owners either declined to be quoted or the calls were not answered.

"We're not coming out for prohibition, but clearly there is harmful drinking going on, and it would be irresponsible for the university not to address that," said Carol Cowles, assistant vice president for student affairs.

Senate sends abortion lawsuit bill to House

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- By a nearly 3-to-1 margin, the Missouri Senate on Tuesday approved legislation that would let parents sue anyone who enables a minor daughter to have an abortion without their consent.

The 22-8 vote, which sent the bill to the House, came after opponents rose again to express concerns. Senators spent more than six hours last week debating the measure, which grew largely out of concerns that Missouri girls can obtain abortions in Illinois without parental consent.

"This is just another way to interfere with a very personal and private decision," said Sen. Joan Bray, D-University City.

Missouri law permits abortion for girls 17 and younger only with the consent of at least one parent or guardian, a court's consent or a court order certifying that the girl is mature enough to make her own decision.

House endorses bill that would ban junk e-mail

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Missourians could add their e-mail addresses to a "no-spam" list similar to the state's telemarketing no-call roster, under a bill given initial House approval Tuesday.

Sponsoring Rep. David Pearce said the bill would provide relief to computer users who are bothered by unsolicited junk e-mail, also known as spam. Under Pearce's bill, companies that send e-mail to addresses on the list would be fined $5,000 per violation, capped at $25,000 each day.

Some spam would still get through, but the bill is "a step in the right direction," said Pearce, R-Warrensburg.

Final House approval would send the measure to the Senate.

-- From wire reports