March 1, 2021 Group Watch: No-Go on Distracted Driving Bill
Last week, several House members put the breaks on HB 90, a bill that would prohibit the use of hand-held cell phones and other electronic devices while driving. They said they worry the bill is too broad. According to the bill’s sponsor, Rep. K. L. Brown (R-Jacksonville), it is designed to save lives. She noted that similar bills passed in other states have decreased accidents attributed to distracted driving. While the bill prohibits holding a cellphone while driving, it also includes language that prohibits the use of voice commands on phones while driving. When concerns were raised on this portion, Rep. Mike Jones (R-Andalusia) said he would work with Brown to remove it. Another concern raised was how to enforce the law. Faced with these questions, Brown requested the bill be carried over, which means the bill can be brought back up during this session. Read the full text of HB90 here.
