6/5/09-A bill died that sought to require drivers in the state to keep their hands off their phones.
Sponsored by Rep. Joe Smith, R-St. Charles, HB26 remained in the House Public Safety Committee when the session ended.
The bill mandated that drivers put down their hand-held cell phones while behind the wheel. Talking on a phone equipped with a hands-free accessory would still have been permitted, such as a Bluetooth receiver.
Violators would have faced $20 fines. Repeat offenders would have faced $50 fines.
Among the exemptions listed in the bill are for emergency calls and using push-to-talk two-way, or “walkie-talkie,” devices that are popular in the trucking industry.

2/10/09-A bill in the House Public Safety Committee would require drivers in the state to keep their hands off their phones.
Sponsored by Rep. Joe Smith, R-St. Charles, HB26 would mandate that drivers put down their hand-held cell phones while behind the wheel. Talking on a phone equipped with a hands-free accessory would still be permitted, such as a Bluetooth receiver.
Violators would face $20 fines. Repeat offenders would face $50 fines.
Among the exemptions listed in the bill are for emergency calls and using push-to-talk two-way, or “walkie-talkie,” devices that are popular in the trucking industry.
For bill status, call 573-751-4633.

12/17/08-Rep. Joe Smith, R-St. Charles, has prefiled a bill for consideration during the session that starts Jan. 7 that would require drivers in the state to keep their hands off their phones.
HB26 would mandate that drivers put down their hand-held cell phones while behind the wheel. Talking on a phone equipped with a hands-free accessory would still be permitted, such as a Bluetooth receiver.
Violators would face $20 fines. Repeat offenders would face $50 fines.
Among the exemptions listed in the bill are for emergency calls and using push-to-talk two-way, or “walkie-talkie,” devices that are popular in the trucking industry.
For bill status, call 573-751-4633.