MIke Kline / CC
A bill prohibiting the handheld use of a cellphone when you are driving makes passage out of the house. Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval’s bill would impose a $25 fine for the first offense and $50 for a second violation.
“I’m not running this bill to keep people from using a phone. It’s a needed tool in business, it’s good for people to make an emergency call. I’m just trying to make it safe while you drive and make a call,” said Huval.
The use of a handheld device is already prohibited in school zones in Louisiana.
Rep Huval has brought similar legislation in the past and Baton Rouge Representative Denice Marcelle said she supports the bill now because it prohibits police from pulling one for handheld phone use to search their vehicle.
“When you bring a bill back and you keep making it better and better, I will be supporting your bill. Thank you for working with us to clear up some of our concerns,” said Marcelle.
“Thank y’all for working with me,” said Huval.
Use of a Bluetooth and speakerphone is not prohibited in this bill, only handheld use of the device. Oil City Representative Danny McCormick feels the law would hurt criminal justice reform and create a negative interaction between the police and the public.
“If you are swerving, running off the road, driving erratic, that’s already against the law. This is just going to put law-abiding citizens in a negative interaction with police. That’s why I rise to oppose the bill,” said McCormick.
The vote was 76-21 and the bill now heads to the Senate. If the legislation passes Louisiana would join 24 other states with similar laws.
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