Senate File 76, a bill that would prohibit any use of an electronic communication device while driving, will be in a Senate subcommittee on Wednesday. The legislation navigated through the Senate Transportation committee with unanimous support.
Now it will go through the process in Ways and Means.
What is an electronic communication device? A device capable of being used to compose, send, receive or read an electronic message. It includes telephones, personal digital assistants and portable or mobile computers.
What does it not include? Devices physically or electronically integrated into a vehicle, including but not limited to an integrated GPS system or navigation system.
An electronic message is a self-contained piece of digital communication, whether verbal or written, designed or intended to be transmitted between electronic communication devices. This includes phone calls, video calls, email, text messages, instant messages and commands or requests to access an internet site.
The bill will exempt the use of electronic communication device in a hands-free mode, for members of a public safety agency performing official duties, for health care professionals in the course of emergency situations, for the purpose of reporting an emergency situation or by pressing a single button to initiate or terminate a voice communication.
The fine would for violating Code section 321.276 would increase from $30 to $100.
Senators Randy Feenstra, Zach Wahls and Roby Smith will serve on the subcommittee.
