The Buffalo News reported today that the Town of Amherst last Monday became the first Erie County municipality to pass a law that would prohibit drivers from composing, reading or sending a text message while behind the wheel. Violators face a $150 fine for each offense. It also reported that the Cattaraugus County Legislature passed a similar law in June. Niagara County and Erie County legislatures are expected to vote on similar proposed laws in the coming weeks.

California local prosecutors allowed to sue health insurers coverage denials
The AAJ yesterday cited a Los Angeles Times report that a decision last month by the California Court of Appeal in Los Angeles opened the door for increased scrutiny of health insurers’ practice of rescinding the policies of sick patients. According to the Times the court ruled “that