Arizona House OKs texting while driving ban for teens

PHOENIX - The Arizona House has given initial approval to legislation banning texting or other cellphone use by drivers with only a learners permit or during the first six months teenagers have a regular license.

Wednesday's action comes two days after Speaker J.D. Mesnard revived the legislation that had been held up by Rules Committee chairman Rep. Phil Lovas. Mesnard took over as chairman after Lovas resigned his seat last week to take a job with the Trump Administration.

>>TELL US: Should Arizona teens be banned from texting and driving?

The House advanced the measure without debate. It awaits a formal vote.

The proposal by Sen. Karen Fann has already passed the Senate.

The Legislature has regularly rejected texting bans. Arizona is one of just four states without blanket bans on texting while driving.

Senate Bill 1080 Fact Sheet:
teenage drivers; communication devices prohibited
https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/68707

The Associated Press contributed to this report.