South Dakota Senate Committee Considers Texting Ban

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — A South Dakota Senate committee is considering a proposed statewide ban on texting while driving.

The measure, passed earlier by the House, would make it a petty offense carrying a $25 fine to drive while using a hand-held device to write, send or read text-based messages. But drivers could still use cellphones to talk and could text using voice-operated or hands-free technology.

The bill would allow law enforcement officers to issue tickets for texting while driving only after stopping drivers for some other traffic violation. In addition, it would prohibit local governments from having texting bans that differ from state law.

A different texting ban passed by the Senate faces a hearing in a House committee later this week.

Lawmakers eventually will seek to pass just one version.