Two Georgia lawmakers are proposing a ban on texting behind the wheel that could make the practice illegal for all drivers.
State Reps. Allen Peake and Amos Anderson have introduced bills to prohibit the practice and come with a fine and driver’s license penalties. If the law passes, it would go into effect on July 1 and make Georgia the 20th state to outlaw texting while driving. Colorado, Louisiana, New York, Virginia and Washington are among the 19 states that ban text messages for all drivers. Nine states ban text messaging for teen drivers.
Peake says the bill is a step in the right direction for Georgia. He stopped short of a total ban on cell phone use and says the legislation addresses the “more dangerous” practice of texting.
Representative Mary Margaret Oliver introduced another such ban last session in House Bill 23. There was no explanation why these two Representatives felt the need to introduce an entirely new bill when House Bill 23 accomplishes the same thing. House Bill 23 has already been passed by the House and awaits action from the Senate.