Iowa works on texting compromise

DES MOINES (AP) — Iowa lawmakers strived Wednesday to hammer out differences in two measures restricting motorists from sending or reading text messages while driving.

The House and Senate previously passed different versions of the legislation, and a conference committee is trying to work out a final version.

“We have a rare opportunity to keep the genie in the bottle,” said State Rep. Curt Hanson, D-Fairfield, a retired driver's education teacher. “We have a growing problem with texting.”

The Senate's version would ban drivers of all ages from reading, writing or sending text messages or e-mails. The House proposal would ban all cell phone use by drivers under age 18 from using cell phones or any mobile electronic device while driving.

Members of the conference committee said details of a final bill could be settled Thursday.

Those who opposed the measure during House and Senate negotiations have said banning cell phone use amounts to unnecessary government intrusion.

The bill will likely carry exceptions, including for truck drivers, bus drivers and drivers of emergency vehicles.

“We can compromise and save lives,” said State Sen. Jeff Danielson, D-Cedar Falls.

Trucking industry lobbyist Scott Weiser said most truckers don't use cell phones but have onboard computers for directions and delivery instructions, as do most bus drivers.

Sen. Tom Reilly, D-Oskaloosa, said lawmakers are willing to compromise to ensure the bill's passage.

“I don't think we're that far apart, and I think we have a real opportunity to make Iowa roads safer,” he said.

But time is working against lawmakers. The Legislature also is pushing to pass a $5.3 billion state budget and trying to end this year's session by the end of next week, relegating matters not related to the budget to the back burner.

« Metro/Region

Share