7/9/03-A bill that would require drivers in California who use cell phones to have a hands-free device is dead.
AB45 called for violators to be fined $20 for the first offense and $50 for every subsequent offense.
The Senate Transportation Committee first attempted to weaken the bill, then simply defeated it.

6/3/03-A bill that would require drivers in California who use cell phones to have a hands-free device has passed the Assembly and is now before the Senate.
AB45, which was introduced by Assemblyman Joe Simitian, D-Palo Alto, would set the fines for not having one of the devices at $20 for the first offense and $50 for every subsequent offense. It would exempt emergency calls.
For bill status, call (916) 319-2856.

3/4/03-The Assembly Transportation Committee has voted in favor of a bill that would require anyone who uses a cell phone while driving to have a hands-free device.
The panel voted 14-5 in favor of AB45, which was introduced by Assemblyman Joe Simitian, D-Palo Alto.
The bill would set the fines for not having one of the devices at $20 for the first offense and $50 for every subsequent offense. It would exempt emergency calls.
A recent study by the California Highway Patrol of more than 491,000 accidents indicated 5,600 were caused by distracted drivers. Of those, more than 600 were the result of cell phone use.
AB45's next stop in the legislative process is the Assembly Appropriations Committee. For bill status, call (916) 319-2856.

2/26/03-A hearing is scheduled for March 3 on a bill that would require anyone who uses a cell phone while driving to have a hands-free device.
AB45 would set the fines for not having one of the devices at $20 for the first offense and $50 for every subsequent offense. The bill would exempt emergency calls.
For bill status, call (916) 319-2856.

2/24/03-Assemblyman Joe Simitian, D-Palo Alto, is sponsoring legislation to require drivers to use "hands-free" devices that would allow them to talk on the phone while keeping both hands on the steering wheel.
AB45 is scheduled to come before the Assembly's Transportation Committee March 3. For bill status, call (916) 319-2856.