The Senate Transportation Committee has approved SB 1274, Sen. Jim Hammond's bill to ban texting while driving. The bill defines texting as, "Engaging in the review of, or manual preparation and transmission of, written communications via handheld wireless devices." Law enforcement, fire or emergency medical vehicles are exempt with regard to actions "in the course and scope of their duties," and the bill wouldn't ban the use of voice-operated or hands-free devices while driving.

Sen. Steve Bair, R-Blackfoot, offered a substitute motion to send the bill to the amending order to remove the exemption for law enforcement. "They're no better drivers than we are, and I'd like to strike that language," he said. Sen. Shawn Keough, R-Sandpoint, seconded Bair's motion, but it failed with just two votes in favor. The original motion, to send the bill to the full Senate with a recommendation that it "do pass," then passed on a unanimous voice vote.
 

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