House Committee to take up this year’s try at a cellphone ban for drivers. Sponsor says it’ll pass this year.

A House committee, will once again this year, consider a bill to enact a complete ban on using a handheld cellphone while behind the wheel. Breaux Bridge Republican Representative Mike Huval is the sponsor, and says it would apply to making HANDHELD calls only.

“This bill does not keep you from using your phone. You know most vehicles now have the ability to use the phone without having it handheld. It goes into the car’s system,” said Huval. 

Huval’s bill expands on the existing ban on using a handheld cellphone in a school zone to include ANY public highway. Fines would bet set at $100 maximum for a first offense; $300 for a second. Offenders could opt for community service. Further offenses could mean license suspension. Huval says all that can be avoided by just learning to use Bluetooth technology.

“It’s amazing – once you have it – how it makes driving easier and safer.”

Huval is bringing the bill again this year, after it failed final passage by a very slim margin last year. “We didn’t cross the goal line. We came close, but … I really feel this year that we’ve addressed all the issues in the past, and I think we just need to bring some clarifications.”

Huval’s bill is before the House Transportation Committee Monday.