A bill that would expand the ban on handheld devices while driving was approved yesterday by the State House.
Senate Bill 37 would make it a summary offense to use any handheld device while driving a vehicle. Exceptions are made for devices that are integrated into the vehicle, like GPS and hands-free devices, and would also exclude devices used by emergency responders or by commercial drivers that are permitted by federal law. The penalty for using a handheld device while driving would result in a $50 fine.
Amendments were made to the bill that would require municipal police to gather data on the race, ethnicity, gender and age of a driver and other details during a traffic stop. The bill will head back to the Senate for the approval of those amendments.
The bill passed the house by a 124-77 vote. State Representative Jim Struzzi voted in favor of the bill, while Brian Smith voted against it.
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