The Louisiana House Transportation Committee rejects a proposal to fine pedestrians $25 for looking at their cell phone while walking on a crosswalk. Chris Alexander with the Louisiana Citizen Advocacy Group testified against the legislation.
“This is just government overreach at its finest. It’s not the role of government to micromanage every stupid decision the citizens of this state make,” Alexander said.
Chalmette Representative Michael Bayham authored the legislation. Bayham says he did not create the legislation as a way to generate revenue; instead, it’s an effort to reduce crashes involving pedestrians.
“Crossing the road, not paying attention; literally compromising their senses, putting earphones on, looking down on a phone, and there are accidents happening. And they are expensive accidents that are happening,” Bayham explained.
No one on the House Transportation Committee voted for the bill. Hornbeck Representative Rodney Schamerhorn says the legislation is government overreach.
“It’s an individual right to be able to look at their phone, and it’s up to them to protect their own body,” Schamerhorn said.
