SD Panel Passes Texting Ban

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — A South Dakota Senate committee has passed a bill that would ban texting while driving.

The Senate Transportation Committee voted 5-1 to support the measure.

The bill's main sponsor introduced an amendment during Wednesday's hearing to make the bill more like a similar measure coming out of the House.

The House passed that bill on to the Senate last week. It includes a $25 fine for texting while driving.

The Senate version includes a $100 fine. Only supporters testified on the measure, including law enforcement, insurance and medical association representatives.

They say a texting ban is necessary to change a dangerous and pervasive habit. Supporters add that residents of the state want a uniform texting law.

Many municipalities have established their own policies against the behavior.