JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMOX) - Missouri and Montana are the only two states in the nation that do not ban texting while driving for anyone over the age of 21, but some lawmakers want to change that.
Currently in Missouri, only commercial drivers and persons under the age of 21 are banned from texting while driving. There are eight different bills in the legislature this session that would expand the ban. The bills have all been referred to the Downsizing State Government committee.
Republican State Rep. Brad Pollitt of Sedalia says he's not in support of a stricter law because it's about protecting personal rights, but Democratic lawmakers say those rights should not endanger people's lives.
"I think Missouri is one of the most conservative personal rights states, and I support that," Pollitt says, according to KOMU.
Rep. Gretchen Bangert of Florissant is a longtime supporter of a texting-while-driving ban and she says this is the first time in years that the legislation has gone this far.
"I've introduced legislation at least the last four years, along with several of my colleagues. Unfortunately, that has never been referred to committee. So I'm excited that this year is has been referred to committee," Bangert says.
Among the specifics of some of the bills, Bill 110 would prohibit cell phone use for all drivers, unless it's a hands-free device. Bill 103 would restrict cell phone use only in a marked school zone. Bill 798 would extend the texting-while-driving ban to all drivers in Missouri, regardless of age.
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