Bill targets those dialing while driving

By ArkansasOnline

A lawmaker introduced a bill during the early filing period that would ban motorists from operating cell phones while driving.

State Rep. Ray Kidd submitted "Paul's Law," which would also prohibit a driver from sending text messages but not ban the use of hands-free technology such as Bluetooth.

Arkansas House members last year rejected a bill that would have prohibited drivers under 18 from using a cell phone while behind the wheel of a moving vehicle. The measure had previously won Senate approval.

Kidd said his proposal would make using a hand-held phone while driving a primary offense, meaning officers could pull someone over for the violation. Kidd’s bill does not detail the penalties for violating the law, but he said it’s intended to be a misdemeanor punishable by up to a $100 fine.

Kidd named the proposal “Paul’s Law” after a constituent in his district who was killed in a collision with another driver who was text messaging while behind the wheel.

Information for this article was contributed by The Associated Press.