6/24/08-The House voted 27-6 to kill HB852. However, a similar bill – SB137 – has moved to Gov. Bobby Jindal’s desk.

6/12/08-The Senate Transportation, Highways and Public Works Committee voted to advance a bill that would ban all drivers from using hand-held cell phones.
Sponsored by Rep. Austin Badon, D-New Orleans, HB852 also would outlaw text messaging while driving.
Violations would be a secondary offense – meaning a person would have to be pulled over for another violation, such as speeding, before they could be ticketed.
Exceptions would be made for emergency calls. It also would make exceptions for Qualcomm-type devices.
First-time offenders would face as much as $100 fines. Repeat offenders would face up to $150 fines while third offenses would result in up to $200 fines. Subsequent violations would lead to as much as $250 fines.
The bill has moved to the Senate floor. If approved there, it would head back to the House for approval of change before advancing to Gov. Bobby Jindal’s desk.
For bill status, call (225) 342-2456. In Louisiana, call 1-800-256-3793.

4/30/08-The House voted to advance a bill to the Senate that would prohibit drivers from talking on hand-held cell phones while driving. Talking on a phone equipped with a hands-free device would still be permitted.
Sponsored by Rep. Austin Badon, D-New Orleans, HB852 also would outlaw text messaging while driving.
Exceptions would be made for emergency calls. It also would make exceptions for Qualcomm-type devices.
First-time offenders would face as much as $100 fines. Repeat offenders would face up to $150 fines while third offenses would result in up to $200 fines. Subsequent violations would lead to as much as $250 fines.
The bill is in Senate Transportation, Highways and Public Works Committee.
For bill status, call (225) 342-2456. In Louisiana, call 1-800-256-3793.