5/7/08-The House killed a bill that sought to make it illegal for teens younger than 17 to use any type of cell phone while driving. The ban would have applied to “hands-free” and hand-held devices.
Sponsored by Rep. Jim McClendon, R-Springville, HB17 would have allowed police to ticket violators only after pulling them over for another offense, such as speeding or failure to signal. Teens found in violation would have faced $25 fines. Repeat offenders would have faced $50 fines, and subsequent offenses would have resulted in $75 fines.
The measure was amended in committee to exempt emergency calls.
Two other changes made to the bill called for prohibiting points from being assessed on offenders’ driver’s licenses. However, violations would have been reported to insurance companies.

5/2/08-The House Public Safety Committee voted to advance a bill that would make it illegal for teens under 17 to use any type of cell phone while driving. The ban would apply to “hands-free” and hand-held devices.
Sponsored by Rep. Jim McClendon, R-Springville, HB17 would allow police to ticket violators only after pulling them over for another offense, such as speeding or failure to signal. Teens found in violation would face $25 fines. Repeat offenders would face $50 fines, and subsequent offenses would result in $75 fines.
The measure was amended to exempt emergency calls.
Two other changes made to the bill would prohibit points from being assessed on offenders’ driver’s licenses. However, violations would be reported to insurance companies.
For House bill status, call (334) 242-7627. In Alabama, call 1-800-499-3052.

3/12/08-A bill in the House Public Safety Committee would make it illegal for teens under 17 to use any type of cell phone while driving. The ban would apply to “hands-free” and hand-held devices.
Sponsored by Rep. Jim McClendon, R-Springville, HB17 would allow police to ticket violators only after pulling them over for another offense, such as speeding or failure to signal. Teens found in violation would face $25 fines. Repeat offenders would face $50 fines, and subsequent offenses would result in $75 fines.
Offenders would be assessed three points on their driver’s licenses. Violations would not be reported to insurance companies.
For House bill status, call (334) 242-7627. In Alabama, call 1-800-499-3052.

12/6/07-Rep. Jim McClendon, R-Springville, is pushing legislation that would make it illegal for teens under 17 to use any type of cell phone while driving. The ban would apply to “hands-free” and hand-held devices.
Police could ticket violators only after pulling them over for another offense, such as speeding or failure to signal. Teens found in violation would face $25 fines. Repeat offenders would face $50 fines, and subsequent offenses would result in $75 fines.
Offenders would be assessed three points on their driver’s licenses. Violations would not be reported to insurance companies.
HB17 is in a House committee awaiting consideration during the regular session that starts Feb. 5.
For House bill status, call (334) 242-7627. In Alabama, call 1-800-499-3052.