Lawmakers agree on texting while driving proposal

Associated Press • April 30, 2009 A proposal that would ban reading or sending cellular phone text messages while driving is headed to the governor's desk after lawmakers agreed on minor differences in the proposal. The measure passed the House on Monday and the Senate approved it last week. The Senate concurred with the House version on Thursday. The proposal would impose a $50 fine for reading or writing text messages while driving. Opponents argue that law enforcement may not be able to tell whether drivers are texting or dialing and that texting is already covered under the state's distracted driving law. Gov. Phil Bredesen spokeswoman Lydia Lenker says the governor will review the legislation once it reaches his desk.