MIke Kline / CC
After years of presenting legislation to ban handheld cellphone use, Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval’s bill is finally closer to becoming law. House Bill 376 passed in the House on a 55 to 38 vote. Huval said a number of lawmakers helped amend the legislation, which makes it a better bill, for example…
“Representative Selders added an amendment that gives it a two-year sunset, which I think is good. If this is a bill that works and helps, it continues. If we see that it has flaws and it causing problems, it goes away,” said Huval.
Current law in Louisiana bans the use of handheld devices in school zones, this bill expands that to public roadways in the state. Huval said the fine for his bill is reduced to $50 to $100.
“The current law is at $500, there’s also an opportunity to do community service,” said Huval.
The amended legislation also removes the possibility of arrest for the violation.
And while the bill’s intent is to improve highway safety, it’s received criticism that it could be used to racially profile motorists. Huval said the bill has also been amended to address that concern.
“The information gathered by the Department of Public Safety would be given to the governor, the president of the Senate, and the speaker of the House for review. To make certain that there’s no racial profiling by the use of this bill,” said Huval.
For vehicles without Bluetooth technology, the use of headphones with a phone is permitted so you aren’t holding your phone while driving.
The bill has just under two weeks to receive Senate approval.
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