Wednesday, March 30, 2005
Senate approves bill banning fees for autographs for children
PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The state Senate has approved a bill that would impose a $100 fine on professional athletes and entertainers who charge anyone under 16 for an autograph.
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Senators unanimously approved the legislation Tuesday. It now goes to the House.
Bill sponsor, Sen. Roger Badeau, said he was appalled when Boston Red Sox players participated in an autograph signing event in Providence after their World Series win last fall, and parents had to shell out nearly $200 so their children could get an autograph.
He said the state needs to send a message that children's sports heroes and other idols shouldn't be charging them for signatures.
At least one company that conducts autograph-signing events has said either fees or corporate sponsorships are needed to underwrite the cost of the events. Richard Rotman, chief executive officer of the Worcester, Mass., based Paid, Inc., also suggested the law could deter promoters from making Rhode Island appearances.
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Senators unanimously approved the legislation Tuesday. It now goes to the House.
Bill sponsor, Sen. Roger Badeau, said he was appalled when Boston Red Sox players participated in an autograph signing event in Providence after their World Series win last fall, and parents had to shell out nearly $200 so their children could get an autograph.
He said the state needs to send a message that children's sports heroes and other idols shouldn't be charging them for signatures.
At least one company that conducts autograph-signing events has said either fees or corporate sponsorships are needed to underwrite the cost of the events. Richard Rotman, chief executive officer of the Worcester, Mass., based Paid, Inc., also suggested the law could deter promoters from making Rhode Island appearances.
