Senate passes bill to ban texting while driving

WKRN Channel 2 News April 23, 2009 11:15 AM CDT NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - The Senate has passed a proposal that would ban reading or sending cellular phone text messages while driving. The measure sponsored by Sen. Jim Tracy, a Shelbyville Republican, was approved 22-6 on Thursday. The bill 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. The companion bill is scheduled to be voted on by the full House on Monday. (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)