PA may ban texting while driving

The Pennsylvania Senate Transportation Committee is expected to vote soon on a measure to ban texting while driving.

Senate Bill 143, introduced by Senator Robert “Tommy” Tomlinson (R-6th Dist.) would prohibit the use of electronic wireless communications devices while driving, according to Sen. Rob Wonderling (R-24th), who chairs the committee.

The hearing will take place at 11:00 a.m. in Room 461 of the Main Capitol Building on Tuesday, April 28.

Wonderling said the committee will also consider the following bills:

Senate Bill 110, by Senator Lloyd Smucker (R-13th), amending Pa.C.S. Title 74 (Transportation) providing for public logs of flights on State-owned or operated aircraft.

Senate Bill 152, by Senator Stewart Greenleaf (R-12th), amending Pa.C.S. Title 75 (Vehicles) providing for limited operation of Neighborhood Electric Vehicles.

Senate Bill 380, by Senator Joseph Scarnati (R-25th), an act designating the bridge on Route 219 in Brockway Borough, Jefferson County as the Christopher E. Loudon Memorial Bridge.

Senate Bill 731, by Senator Rob Wonderling (R-24th), an act designating a portion of the Bushkill Drive, State Route 2019 in Northampton County as the Victor W. Anckaitis Memorial Highway.

While not on the agenda for the April 28 meeting, don't be surprised if the Pennsylvania Legislature moves to ban all cell-phone use by drivers sometime this year.