5/12/06-A bill that would have forbidden drivers from watching television or video monitors while the vehicle is moving has died.
Sponsored by Rep. Max Gruenberg, D-Anchorage, HB12 was in the Senate when the session ended. The House previously passed it.
The bill allotted for stiffer penalties if the driver caused an accident that kills or injures another person.
It also would have created the crime of driving with a screen operating. The rule would not have applied to vehicles’ built-in display, global positioning systems, mapping programs or side- and rear-view video cameras on larger vehicles.
Watching the video screen while driving could have resulted in a misdemeanor charge and a fine of between $2,500 and $10,000. If a person watching the screen was involved in an accident and injured or killed another person, the charges would have jumped from a misdemeanor to a felony.

3/24/06-The House has approved a bill that would forbid drivers from watching television or video monitors while the vehicle is moving. The measure allots for stiffer penalties if the driver causes an accident that kills or injures another person.
Sponsored by Rep. Max Gruenberg, D-Anchorage, HB12 would create the crime of driving with a screen operating. The rule would not apply to vehicles’ built-in display, global positioning systems, mapping programs or side- and rear-view video cameras on larger vehicles.
Watching the video screen while driving could result in a misdemeanor charge and a fine of between $2,500 and $10,000. If a person watching the screen is involved in an accident and injures or kills another person, the charges would jump from a misdemeanor to a felony.
The bill has been sent to the Senate for further consideration.
For bill status, call (907) 465-4648.

Click here to read the 2005 legislative updates for HB12.