12/31/08-A bill has died in an Assembly committee that sought to make it illegal to type, read or send text messages while at the wheel. The Senate previously approved it.
Sponsored by Sen. Carl Marcellino, R-Syosset, S3195 would have amended the state’s existing ban on using any cell phone that is not a “hands-free” device to also include text messaging.
Violators would have been fined $100 for texting – the same fine for violating the cell phone restriction.
The Assembly version – A7299 – met the same fate.

6/3/08-The Senate voted to advance a bill to the Assembly that would make it illegal to type, read or send text messages while at the wheel.
Sponsored by Sen. Carl Marcellino, R-Syosset, S3195 would amend the state’s existing ban on using any cell phone that is not a “hands-free” device to also include text messaging.
Violators would be fined $100 for texting – the same fine for violating the cell phone restriction.
The bill has moved to the Assembly Transportation Committee.
For bill status, call (518) 455-7545. In New York, call 1-800-342-9860.
The Assembly version – A7299 – also is in the Assembly Transportation Committee.