Senate wants drivers to put down their phonesINDIANAPOLIS |
Hoosier motorists texting -- or talking -- on a telephone while driving could face a fine of up to $500 under legislation approved by the Indiana Senate Tuesday.
House Bill 1129 was changed Monday to prohibit talking on a telephone while driving -- unless using a hands-free device -- joining a previously House-approved ban on texting or e-mailing while driving.The changed legislation, approved 29-20 in the Senate on Tuesday, now goes back to the House to see if lawmakers there also want to prohibit talking on a telephone while driving.
It's uncertain whether the House will ever vote on the changed legislation due to the House Democrats' walkout that has halted all House action since Feb. 22.
Without the 40 Democrats, there are not enough representatives present in the 100-member body to meet the 67-member attendance requirement to take a vote.
If the Democrats return, it's likely the Senate-approved texting and talking ban will be sent to a House-Senate conference committee to come up with legislative language acceptable to both chambers.
All but one Northwest Indiana senator voted in favor of the ban on texting and talking while driving. State Sen. Brandt Hershman, R-Wheatfield, voted no.