4/26/05-A bill that sought to require drivers to keep their hands off the phone has died.
SB5160, sponsored by Sen. Tracey Eide, D-Federal Way, remained in a House panel at the end of the session April 24, effectively killing it for the year. It previously passed the Senate.
The bill called for banning hand-held cell phone use while driving in the state. Talking on a phone equipped with a “hands-free” device would still have been permitted.
Eide’s measure would have made it a secondary offense to drive while using a hand-held phone – meaning they would have to be pulled over for another violation before they could be ticketed for talking on the phone. Violators could be fined more than $100.
It would have exempted emergency calls.

3/29/05-The Senate voted 28-18 to approve a bill that would require drivers to keep their hands off the phone. It has been sent to the House for consideration.
SB5160, sponsored by Sen. Tracey Eide, D-Federal Way, would ban hand-held cell phone use while driving in the state. Talking on a phone equipped with a “hands-free” device would still be permitted.
The bill would make it a secondary offense to drive while using a hand-held phone. Violators could be fined more than $100.
It would exempt emergency calls.
For bill status, call (360) 786-7573. In Washington, call 1-800-562-6000.

2/17/05-The Senate Transportation Committee approved a bill Feb. 1 that would require drivers to keep their hands off the phone.
SB5160, sponsored by Sen. Tracey Eide, D-Federal Way, would ban hand-held cell phone use while driving. Talking on a phone equipped with a “hands-free” device would still be permitted.
The bill would make it a secondary offense to drive while using a hand-held phone. Violators could be fined more than $100.
It would exempt emergency calls.
The bill has been sent to the full Senate for further consideration.
For bill status, call (360) 786-7573. In Washington, call 1-800-562-6000.

2/11/05-The Senate Transportation Committee approved a bill Feb. 1 that would require drivers to keep their hands off the phone.
SB5160, sponsored by Sen. Tracey Eide, D-Federal Way, would ban hand-held cell phone use while driving. Talking on a phone equipped with a “hands-free” device would still be permitted.
The bill would make it a secondary offense to drive while using a hand-held phone. Violators could be fined more than $100.
It would exempt emergency calls.
The bill has been sent to the full Senate for further consideration.
For bill status, call (360) 786-7573. In Washington, call 1-800-562-6000.