3/3/05-The Senate rejected a bill Feb. 28 to require drivers in the state to keep their hands off their phones.
Senators voted 11-6 against the bill – 18 votes were required for approval.
Sponsored by Sen. Jim Hendren, R-Gravette, the legislation would have banned hand-held cell phone use while driving. Talking on a phone equipped with a “hands-free” accessory would still be permitted.
Under SB45, a driver would have to be pulled over for a different offense to be cited for using a hand-held phone.
Chatty drivers would get off with a warning for the first offense. Repeat violations would net offenders a fine up to $50.
Hendren’s bill exempted emergency calls.

1/27/05-Sen. Jim Hendren, R-Gravette, has introduced legislation that would ban hand-held cell phone use while driving. Talking on a phone equipped with a “hands-free” accessory would still be permitted.
Under SB45, a driver stopped for using a hand-held phone would get off with a citation as a warning for the first offense. No penalty would be imposed.
Additional offenses could net the offender a fine up to $50.
Hendren’s bill would exempt emergency calls.
The bill is in the Senate Public Transportation Committee. For Senate bill status, call (501) 682-5951.

1/14/05-Sen. Jim Hendren, R-Gravette, has introduced legislation that would ban hand-held cell phone use while driving. Talking on a phone equipped with a “hands-free” accessory would still be permitted.
Under the bill – SB45 – a driver stopped for using a hand-held phone would get off with a citation as a warning for the first offense. No penalty would be imposed.
Additional offenses could net the offender a fine up to $50.
Hendren’s bill would exempt emergency calls.
The bill is before the Senate Public Transportation Committee. For Senate bill status, call (501) 682-5951.