The Louisiana House has rejected a proposal that would have banned handheld cell phone use while behind the wheel. The measure failed on a 40-59 vote. New Orleans Representative Gary Carter voted against the legislation over concerns it could lead to racial profiling.
“Do you understand the concerns that this give police officers an opportunity to engage in bias, to pull over African-Americans without cause?” said Carter.
Texting while driving is already illegal in Louisiana.
Other lawmakers also complained the legislation is a violation of our civil liberties.
“I wish everybody would use common sense, but at the same time I don’t feel like I should force them to,” said Haughton Representative Dodie Horton.
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