2009 Senate Bill 402

Ban texting while driving

Introduced in the Senate

March 24, 2009

Introduced by Sen. Samuel B. Thomas (D-4)

To prohibit using a two-way electronic device including a cell phone to read or send text messages while driving. The violation would be a “secondary” one, meaning that a driver could not be stopped just for this, but if stopped for some other violation this one could be tacked on.

Referred to the Committee on Transportation

Dec. 9, 2009

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (S-2) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

Dec. 17, 2009

Substitute offered

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that revises details but does not change the substance of the bill as previously described.

The substitute passed by voice vote

Jan. 26, 2010

Amendment offered by Sen. Bruce Patterson (R-7)

To make the proposed "driving-while-texting" offense a "primary" one, meaning that police could stop a motorist for just this. As introduced the bill makes this a "secondary" offense only.

The amendment failed 18 to 18 (details)

Passed in the Senate 31 to 6 (details)

Received in the House

Jan. 26, 2010

Referred to the Committee on Transportation