Ban cell phones and driving? Bill filing begins in Missouri
Among the first bills filed today in Jefferson City: A bill that would ban the use of cell phones while driving in certain circumstances.
Today is the first day to pre-file bills in the Missouri Legislature. For some lawmakers, it’s their best chance at a headline. It’s also a good look into some of the issues that will be taking up the Legislature’s time come January.
The first two bills assigned a number (according to the Gov Watch site), are HB 26, filed by Republican Joe Smith of St. Charles, and HB 27, filed by Republican David Day of Dixon. Smith’s bill would prohibit cell phone use while operating a motor vehicle on public property, with some exceptions.
Day’s bill would allow veterans in Missouri to deduct their military retirement income from state income taxes.
While they haven’t been assigned bill numbers yet, three Columbia Democrats also announced their intention to file bills today. One, supported by freshman lawmakers Mary Still and Stephen Webber, would ban robo-calls, unless the call was preceded by a live operator who asks the recipient for consent. A similar bill was sponsored by Democrat Ed Wildberger last year.
Also, freshman Democrat Chris Kelly said he planned to file a bill allowing early voting in Missouri. Also, the Democrats said they would revive payday loan legislation that would limit interest rates on the loans.
I’m all for a hands free law, but I disagree that cell phone usage should be banned.
I agree with Kevin, cell phone use is a problem, but if it were restricted to hand free use only while driving then that would make things better. You still run into the problem of dialing though unless you have voice dialing.
Need to outlaw Traffic law Centers, then get police to actually stop folks from running red lights, get folks to stop reading while driving, hands-free cells only. Maybe then we could start reducing the inattention accidents.
Good for Chris! Early voting in Missouri would be great!!
I think we have more than just cell phones as distractions while driving. Smoking, playing with the radio, kids, eating, people put on make-up, read the paper and i am sure other things. I think if we get rid of one we should get rid of all. Yes cell phones are a distraction but its not the only one.
The cellphone while driving BAN probably shouldn’t pass. It sounds too vague. I believe it should be more like California’s law on the requirement of using a hands-free device while driving such as a bluetooth headset or a wired headset or speaker phone in-dash.
I like the idea of robo-calls needing a live person. Those are just annoying and a waste of time and 9 out of 10 times are unsolicited.
great now the gov’t is going to tell me where and when i can use my phone. I PAY FOR IT! I SHOULD BE ABLE TO USE IT WHEN I LIKE!
Having a hand free device for your cell phone is not any safer then someone holding there phone. It is not the hand to the ear that is distracting to drivers but the actual conversation on the phone that takes the drivers attention from the road. A hands free device does not help at all.
Sure lets just keep chaing bills and adding more rules and regulations … its bad enough were falling into Communism … lets just progress that a little.
Cell phones do not cause accidents, people making STUPID choices to use them cause accidents.
Again it falls on the object not the cause.
What would we expect - people are so eager to jump up and ban the cell phone - Why not, it will eleminate so many accidents.
What ever. You need to wake up and learn self disapline. Cells phones do not cause accidents - the people using them DO.
Add into the MO driver’s test on how to text or dial while driving on a highway and residential street. Then with the stereo on then with a car full of kids, then talking on the phone hearing a funny joke or hearing tragic news. Now show me how to put on your makeup, combing your hair and picking your nose.
I’m sure that I have missed something…I have to answer my phone.