Texting ban clears committee

Submitted by markjohnson on May 19, 2009 - 10:33am.
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A Senate judiciary committee approved a proposed ban on driving while texting Tuesday with few questions.

The bill, which already cleared the House, could go to the Senate floor this week.

"At the end of the day it's about safety," said Rep. Garland Pierce, a Democrat from Wagram and chief sponsor of the bill.

Lobbyists for AAA, State Farm Insurance and "the beleaguered automobile manufacturers all spoke in favor of the legislation.

Under the bill, texting while behind the wheel would be an infraction punishable by a $100 fine, and texting while driving a school bus would be a misdemeanor, drawing a $200 fine.

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Re: Texting ban clears committee

Submitted by PaulTerrell on May 19, 2009 - 1:01pm.

Why haven't they included in this bill changing your radio station, shaving or putting on makeup, and of course looking out a side window?

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Re: Texting ban clears committee

Submitted by Gosh (not verified) on May 19, 2009 - 10:39am.

Can you still text in bars about how bad you want a cigarette?

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