2007 House Bill 5117

Ban “text messaging” while driving

Introduced in the House

Aug. 21, 2007

Introduced by Rep. Steve Bieda (D-25)

To establish as a civil infraction “text messaging” while driving. Specifically, the bill would explicitly prohibit operating a motor vehicle while reading, manually writing, or sending a message on an electronic wireless device.

Referred to the Committee on Transportation

May 20, 2008

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (H-3) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

Dec. 4, 2008

Substitute offered

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that also bans driving while talking on a hand-held cell phone. Hands-free phones would not be banned.

The substitute failed by voice vote

Substitute offered by Rep. Steve Bieda (D-25)

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that specifies that enforcement would be accomplished only as a secondary action (when the driver had been stopped for another violation), and that no points would be assessed for violations.

The substitute passed by voice vote

Passed in the House 68 to 32 (details)

To establish as a civil infraction “text messaging” while driving. Specifically, the bill would explicitly prohibit operating a motor vehicle while reading, manually writing, or sending a message on an electronic wireless device. Enforcement would be accomplished only as a secondary action (when the driver had been detained for another violation), and no points would be assessed for violations.

Received in the Senate

Dec. 10, 2008

Referred to the Committee on Transportation