3/10/04-A measure that would prohibit drivers’ use of hand-held cell phones will have to wait until next year.
The cell phone bill died after the March 9 deadline for House and Senate committees to report out bills and constitutional amendments originating in their chambers.
The measure permitting only “hands-free” devices in moving vehicles remained in the House Transportation Committee at the deadline.
HB158, sponsored by Rep. Billy Broomfield, D-Moss Point, would have made the infraction a secondary offense, meaning police could only ticket drivers if pulled over for some other offense. Violators would be fined $150.
It exempted emergency calls.

3/3/04-A House bill would prohibit drivers’ use of hand-held cell phones.
The bill, before the House Transportation Committee, would permit only “hands-free” devices in moving vehicles.
The infraction would be a secondary offense, meaning police could only ticket drivers if pulled over for some other offense. Violators would be fined $150.
HB158, sponsored by Rep. Billy Broomfield, D-Moss Point, would exempt emergency calls. For bill status, call (601) 359-3719.