Sen. Patti Anne Lodge, R-Huston, said she understands "there's going to be some changes suggested" to the texting-while-driving ban, SB 1274, in the section that exempts law enforcement. That clause in the bill says, "Except that texting by persons driving law enforcement, fire or emergency medical vehicles shall be exempt while engaging in the course and scope of their duties." Lodge said she spoke with her local fire chief, and he already has a rule in his agency banning his workers from texting while driving.

Most of the testimony at the hearing so far has been in favor, with just two people speaking against the bill and all the rest in favor. Idaho State Police Officer Shedon Kelly, shown here testifying, said ISP is in full support of the bill and stands ready to enforce it. "The state police procedure now does not allow for officers to text while they drive or use their cell phone," he said. They may receive information on a computer touch screen, he said. "We'd need to be able to still manipulate those."