House Passes Distracted Driving Reforms

Liz Gullett

Jan 28, 2022

This week, the House passed a plan prohibiting the use of smart phones while driving. The package would enact several reforms, including banning the use of hand-held mobile devices while driving, updating the penalties for use, and imposing civil infractions. Current law states a person may not read, manually type, or send text messages on a wireless two-way communication device located in a person’s hand or lap. The proposal updates the current law to also include banning the use of a mobile phone to access social media or watching a broadcast or video.

The bills provide exemptions for law enforcement, first responders, and public utility employees when they’re acting within the scope of their work. Additionally, the changes wouldn’t apply to a person making an emergency phone call such as to 911. The bipartisan bill package has been referred to the Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Committee for consideration.

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