Rhode Island Senator Roger Badeau says he was appalled when Red Sox players participated in an autograph-signing event in his state last year and charged children $200 per autograph. Feeling that the state need to send a message that sports figures should not be preying on children, he sponsored a bill on the subject that has now passed the state Senate unanimously and is being considered by the House.

The bill imposes a $100 fine on any professional athlete or entertainer who charges anyone under 16 for an autograph.  Since the going rate for autographs in Rhode Island is apparently $200, I’m not exactly sure what message that really sends, other than maybe, “autographs in Rhode Island will now cost $300.”