An amended bill that would ban drivers from text messaging passed the state Senate Tuesday.
The original bill would have limited the ban to drivers under 18, but the bill was amended after debate to apply to all drivers.
The Senate bill passed by a 27-5 vote, with state Sen. Jeff Plale, D-Milwaukee, joining some Republican lawmakers in opposition to the bill.
""I'm glad that members from both sides of the aisle came together to pass a ban on text messaging for all drivers. I appreciate the commitment that the Senate showed by working together to do the right thing and protecting our citizens,"" state Sen. Alan Lasee, R-De Pere, said in a statement.
The bill exempts drivers who use text messaging to report an emergency. Additionally, people who operate emergency vehicles would be exempt from the ban.
The legislation would impose a $20 to $400 fine for first offenders and a fine of no more than $800 for a second offense.
During the floor session, lawmakers in opposition to the bill said existing laws banning inattentive driving effectively prohibit conduct like text messaging while driving.
Lasee encouraged the state Assembly to ""act quickly"" to pass similar legislation. The Assembly bill currently awaits debate.
""There is no question that texting while driving is extremely dangerous, and innocent lives have been lost due to this irresponsible practice. What the state Senate did today was take a strong stance by putting a premium on public safety,"" he said.
