Bill to restrict use of aluminum bats not a big hit
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="BODY">A state lawmaker wants to prohibit kids from using aluminum bats in baseball and softball games, but the idea struck out Thursday with some members of a House committee.
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<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="BODY">Rep. Robert Molaro, D-Chicago, received a less-than-favorable response when he proposed House Bill 4140 to a House Judiciary Criminal Law Committee.
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<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="BODY">Molaro decided not to ask for a vote, but to instead wait for the results of a study on aluminum bats.
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<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="BODY">The bill would prohibit the use of aluminum bats during recreational baseball or softball games where participants are under the age of 13. Coaches, parents or teachers would be fined up to $500 if they knowingly allow usage of the bats.
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<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="BODY">Molaro said concerned parents approached him at a baseball league championship game, complaining that balls hit by aluminum bats were injuring children.
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<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="BODY">Molaro noted that, 30 years ago, all bats were wooden. It makes sense, then, that children are getting hurt because of the increased speed of the ball, he said.
"The only thing that hasn't changed in 30 years is the reflex of a 9-year-old," he said.
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="BODY">Rep. Jim Sacia, R-Pecatonica, accused Molaro of "dumbing down" the committee by proposing the legislation, and said he believes it's not the responsibility of the General Assembly to regulate what types of bats are used in baseball games.
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<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="BODY">Molaro disagreed, saying it should be a priority of the legislature to ensure children's safety.
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<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="BODY">Another Republican, Rep. David Reis of Willow Hill, said Molaro was overstepping.
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<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="BODY">And Rep. Careen Gordon, D-Morris, poked fun at the proposal, saying: "You could also ask the parents, after the children hit the ball, to carry them to first base so they don't get dirty or fall down on the way."
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<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="BODY">Molaro said he plans to re-introduce the legislation to the committee within the next few months.
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<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="BODY">Meagan Sexton can be reached at (217) 782-6882.