2021 House Bill 4277

Ban hand-held phone or electronics use while driving

Introduced in the House

Feb. 23, 2021

Introduced by Rep. Mari Manoogian (D-40)

To prohibit the use of a "mobile electronic device" including a cell phone while driving, except for speaking on a hands-free or voice-activated cell phone. The bill would authorize a penalty of up to 16 hours of community service for texting-while-driving, and 24 hours for a second offense. The bill would also increase fines, increase license penalty points authorize license suspensions for three or more violations within three years, ban driving with headphones or ear-buds, ban recording, watching or sending a video while driving, ban interacting on social media while driving and more.

Referred to the Committee on Judiciary

May 4, 2021

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (H-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

Jan. 25, 2022

Substitute offered by Rep. Mari Manoogian (D-40)

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

The substitute passed by voice vote

Substitute offered by Rep. Graham Filler (R-93)

The substitute passed by voice vote

Passed in the House 75 to 26 (details)

To prohibit the use of a "mobile electronic device" including a cell phone while driving, except for speaking on a hands-free or voice-activated cell phone. The bill would authorize a penalty of fines or up to 16 hours of community service for texting-while-driving, and 24 hours for a second offense. This and House Bill 4788 would also increase fines, increase license penalty points, authorize license suspensions for three or more violations within three years, ban driving with headphones or ear-buds, ban recording, watching or sending a video while driving, ban interacting on social media while driving and more.

Received in the Senate

Jan. 26, 2022

Referred to the Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety

June 30, 2022

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (S-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.