5/25/05-A bill that would have required drivers to keep their hands off the phone while driving has died.
SB51, sponsored by Sen. Joseph Crisco, D-Woodbridge, remained in the Joint Transportation Committee past the deadline for bills to advance from the panel.
Talking on a phone equipped with a “hands-free” device would still have been permitted.
Under the bill, a driver stopped for using a hand-held phone could have been fined up to $75. It would have exempted emergency calls.

2/11/05-Sen. Joseph Crisco, D-Woodbridge, has introduced a bill that would require drivers to keep their hands off the phone while driving.
Under SB51, talking on a phone equipped with a “hands-free” device would still be permitted.
A driver stopped for using a hand-held phone could be fined up to $75. It would exempt emergency calls.
A Joint Transportation Committee hearing to discuss the measure is scheduled for Feb. 14. For bill status, call (860) 240-0555.
Two similar efforts – SB567 and SB725 – also are before the transportation panel.