7/8/08-Gov. Bobby Jindal has signed a bill into law that prohibits hand-held cell phone use only for first-time drivers who have been licensed for less than a year. Talking on a phone equipped with a hands-free device will still be permitted.
Previously SB342, the new law takes effect July 1.
People with valid licenses who move to Louisiana from other states are exempted.
Offenders would face up to $100 fines.  They also would face the possibility of serving 16 hours of community service. Repeat offenders would face $250 fines and/or 24 hours of community service.
Exceptions will be made for emergency calls. Of particular interest to truckers, CB radios and other similar devices also will be exempted.

6/24/08-The House voted 88-6 to approve a bill that would prohibit hand-held cell phone use only for first-time drivers who have been licensed for less than a year. Talking on a phone equipped with a hands-free device would still be permitted.
Sponsored by Sen. Dale Erdey, R-Livingston, SB342 now moves to Gov. Bobby Jindal’s desk after the Senate concurred with House changes.
The bill would exempt people with valid licenses who move to Louisiana from other states.
Offenders would face up to $100 fines.  They also would face the possibility of serving 16 hours of community service. Repeat offenders would face $250 fines and/or 24 hours of community service.
Exceptions would be made for emergency calls. Of particular interest to truckers, CB radios and other similar devices also would be exempted.
For bill status, call (225) 342-2456. In Louisiana, call 1-800-256-3793.

6/12/08-The House Transportation, Highways and Public Works Committee voted to advance a bill to the chamber floor that would prohibit hand-held cell phone use only for first-time drivers who have been licensed for less than a year. Talking on a phone equipped with a hands-free device would still be permitted.
Sponsored by Sen. Dale Erdey, R-Livington, SB342 would exempt people with valid licenses who move to Louisiana from other states.
Violators would face fines up to $150.  They also would face the possibility of serving 16 hours of community service. For repeat offenders, the committee amended the bill to authorize $500 fines and/or 24 hours of community service.
Exceptions would be made for emergency calls. Of particular interest to truckers, CB radios and other similar devices also would be exempted.
For bill status, call (225) 342-2456. In Louisiana, call 1-800-256-3793.

5/21/08-The Senate voted 33-2 to advance a bill to the House that would prohibit hand-held cell phone use only for first-time drivers who have been licensed for less than a year. Talking on a phone equipped with a hands-free device would still be permitted.
Sponsored by Sen. Dale Erdey, R-Livington, SB342 would exempt people with valid licenses who move to Louisiana from other states.
Violators would face fines up to $150.  They also would face the possibility of serving 16 hours of community service. For repeat offenders, the committee amended the bill to authorize $500 fines and/or 24 hours of community service.
Exceptions would be made for emergency calls.
The bill is in the House Transportation, Highways and Public Works Committee.
For bill status, call (225) 342-2456. In Louisiana, call 1-800-256-3793.

4/30/08-The Senate Transportation, Highways and Public Works Committee approved a bill that would prohibit hand-held cell phone use only for first-time drivers who have been licensed for less than a year. Talking on a phone equipped with a hands-free device would still be permitted.
Sponsored by Sen. Dale Erdey, R-Livington, SB342 would exempt people with valid licenses who move to Louisiana from other states.
Violators would face fines up to $150.  They also would face the possibility of serving 16 hours of community service. Repeat offenders would face $225 fines and/or 24 hours of community service.
Exceptions would be made for emergency calls.
The bill is awaiting consideration on the Senate floor.
For bill status, call (225) 342-2456. In Louisiana, call 1-800-256-3793.