The full Louisiana House of Representatives in the last stop on the road to approval for a bill to require drivers utilize hands-free devices to use their phones.
The legislation, "Prohibits use of a handheld wireless telecommunications device by a person when operating a motor vehicle upon any public roadway in this state," according to the legislative website.
Testimony for and against legislation in the House Transportation Committee was emotional.
Port Allen motorcyclist Anthony Summers supports the bill after being the victim of a crash caused by a distracted driver on their phone. He said the losses from the incident total more than $80,000.
“My whole goal of this testimony today is to make it to where people in the state of Louisiana can drive safely and they can go to and arrive at their destinations in a safe manner,” said Summers.
Kenner resident Connie Zimmerman opposes the bill for several reasons and told committee members it violates basic liberties.
“It is not your duty to protect us as individuals, we are responsible for that, but it is your sworn duty to protect our collective liberty. The USA was never meant to be a police state,” said Zimmerman.
Manually operating your cell phone while driving would be a secondary offense, meaning you could only be charged if you were first pulled over for another violation, such as speeding.... or if you were in a crash and facing other charges.
It would be considered a primary offense in school and construction zones.
Chris Alexander with Louisiana Citizen Advocacy Group also spoke against the bill.
He expressed concern that the bill is an effort to get rid of phones in vehicles altogether.
“This sets a precedent whereby further infringements of freedom and liberty very likely can and will occur,” said Alexander.
The bill passed in committee without objection. It has already received Senate approval.
