2019 House Bill 4181

Increase penalties for texting while driving and more

Introduced in the House

Feb. 13, 2019

Introduced by Rep. Mari Manoogian (D-40)

To prohibit the use of a "mobile electronic device" including a cell phone while driving, except for speaking on a hands-free or voice-activated cell phone. The bill would authorize a penalty of up to 16 hours of community service for texting-while-driving, and 24 hours for a second offense. The bill would also increase fines, increase license penalty points authorize license suspensions for three or more violations within three years, ban driving with headphones or ear-buds, ban recording, watching or sending a video while driving, ban interacting on social media while driving and more.

Referred to the Committee on Transportation

May 2, 2019

Reported without amendment

To refer to the Committee on Ways and Means with the recommendation that the substitute (H-1) be adopted, which only bans the use of cell phones by minors while driving.

Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means

Dec. 5, 2019

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (H-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

Dec. 11, 2019

Passed in the House 87 to 21 (details)

To ban the use of a cell phone while driving by an individual less than age 18, including a hands-free phone.

Received in the Senate

Jan. 8, 2020

Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure