Greetings: Worcester Telegram & Gazette reporter Karen Nugent (Clinton office) is supposed to have a special article in the Aug. 25th Sunday Telegram concerning House Bill #5158. I brought Ms. Nugent's attention to this issue several weeks ago (having learned about the potential catastrophe from Sharon Sergeant's email here). I contacted my state rep, Pat Walrath, and informered her of my concerns with this bill and its potential for negetive impact upon family and local researchers. As of last week, the bill was in the Rules Committee (where it has been since about July 11). Here it may die a slow and quiet death OR it may be ressurected for vote again after the State Legislature leaves informal session for regular session in Jan. 2003. Keep you eyes peeled and remind your representative that you are concerned about this or other related legislative changes that will restrict access to state vital records. Regards, John C. Schumacher-Hardy Lancaster, MA In the wise words of Carla Howell (Libertarian candidate for MA governer): "Small Government is Beautiful."