by Laura Krantz vtdigger.org The Vermont House Thursday night revived an attempt to ban the use of handheld cell phones while driving, attaching it to a broad transportation bill legislators passed just after 8 p.m. The move is an attempt by House lawmakers to revive another bill on the same subject stalled in the Senate. Several days ago the bill appeared all but dead.
Rep. Bill Johnson, R/D-Canaan, introduced the cell phone amendment Thursday night. He entertained his tired colleagues with a series of cell-phone related jokes.
The cell phone bill originally got strong reception in the Senate, Johnson said.
“However recently the reception got weaker in the other body,” he said. Legislators laughed.
The House Ways and Means Committee wants to hit the redial button and send a message the Senate that this bill ought to pass, Johnson said.
“This amendment is about safety on highways, and hopefully it will save Vermonters’ lives,” he said.
Several lawmakers spoke in favor and one spoke against.
Rep. Sarah Buxton, D-Tunbridge, said she does not know of any significant evidence showing the use of handheld devices decreases distraction and increases safety.
Rep. Butch Shaw, R/D-Florence, said anecdotal evidence is enough to make him support the bill.
The Senate must now approve the House amendment to the bill.
Senate Judiciary Chairman Sen. Dick Sears, D-Bennington, has said the bill does not go far enough to attack distracted driving. Gov. Peter Shumlin has also said he opposes the bill.