Senate Approves Breastfeeding In Public Bill

MADISON, Wis. (WTAQ) - Wisconsin senators voted Tuesday to let mothers breastfeed in public places without being hassled. The measure passed on a voice vote. It was sent to Governor Jim Doyle after the Assembly okayed it last fall. Senate President Fred Risser of Madison was among the most vocal supporters of the measure. He said it will protect moms who breastfeed in malls and restaurants. Those who interfere would pay fines of up to $200. Fewer than 10 states don’t offer these protections.

Also Tuesday, the Senate approved a Democratic bill to ban the making and selling of the Mexican herb Salvia divinorum. The drug is known to cause strong hallucinations. At least 16 states regulate it. The Assembly passed the ban last fall, and it now goes to the governor for his signature.

The Senate also sent Doyle a bill to set tougher labeling requirements for honey sold in the state. It could be labeled as state-certified unless it was produced in the Badger State, and met government testing standards. The bill is part of an effort to create national standards for honey. Supporters say it would reduce the number of products labeled as honey, but with little or none of the real ingredient.