Since 2009, Idaho lawmakers have tried, and failed, to pass a bill to ban texting while driving. Until today. Senators passed a ban this morning and sent it to Governor Butch Otter. The version that passed was watered down from the original legislation proposed earlier this session. Sen. Jim Hammond, (R-Coeur d'Alene), the chair of the Senate Transportation Committee says “If you get cited for texting while driving, you will be cited but it will not count as points against you on your insurance.”
Sen. Les Bock, (D-Boise) was disappointed the bill had been amended. “I regret that we do not have the points aspect in the bill, but all things considered, after all of the labors that we’ve put into this issue, I think this is a reasonably good bill and I urge your aye vote.”
Some opponents said Idaho’s distracted driving law already covers texting while driving. But supporters said a more specific bill was needed, to send a message to younger drivers. Thirty-five states including Washington and Oregon already ban texting and driving.
Copyright 2012 Boise State Public Radio
