6/17/08-The Senate voted 15-8 to table a bill that sought to forbid text-messaging or any form of typing that requires both hands. The House previously approved it on a 176-149 vote.
Sponsored by Rep. David Campbell, D-Nashua, HB1222 would not have prohibited reading text messages. Violators would have faced $100 fines.
Hands-free devices wouldn’t have been included in the ban. Of particular interest to truckers, the bill made exceptions for Qualcomm-type devices.
Emergency calls also would have been exempted.

4/14/08-The House voted 176-149 to advance a bill to the Senate that would forbid text-messaging or any form of typing that requires both hands. Violators would face $100 fines.
Sponsored by Rep. David Campbell, D-Nashua, HB1222 would not prohibit reading text messages.
Hands-free devices wouldn’t be included in the ban. Of particular interest to truckers, the bill would make exceptions for Qualcomm-type devices.
Emergency calls also would be exempted.
The bill is in the Senate Transportation and Interstate Cooperation Committee.
For bill status, call (603) 271-2548.

1/7/08-Rep. David Campbell, D-Nashua, has offered a bill for consideration that would ban drivers from reading, typing or sending text messages on an electronic wireless device, such as a BlackBerry. It also would ban playing video games while driving.
Violators would face $100 fines.
Hands-free devices wouldn’t be included in the ban. Of particular interest to truckers, the bill would make exceptions for or Qualcomm-type devices.
State law already prohibits negligent driving. The ban covers any driving behavior that could result in injury to others or property damage. However, it doesn’t specifically address the use of cell phones and other devices while at the wheel.
HB1222 is slated for consideration in the House Transportation Committee Jan. 22.
For House bill status, call (603) 271-2548.