Iowa panel backs texting while driving ban

Iowa panel sends texting while driving ban to House; enforcement would be delayed for a year

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) -- An Iowa House committee on Tuesday approved a limited ban on motorists using their cell phones to send text messages while driving.

Rep. Dave Tjepkes, a retired Iowa State Patrol trooper, said he narrowed the measure to address only texting because of the dangers in sending such messages while driving.

"When you think of all the distractions that drivers face, texting is the worst of the worst," said Tjepkes, R-Gowrie.

The House Transportation Committee approved the measure on a 20-1 vote, sending it to the full House where supporters predict it will be approved.

Rep. Nick Wagner, R-Marion, was the only opponent, saying he based his vote on philosophical grounds.

"I don't think we need government intrusion here," said Wagner. "It's a personal responsibility issue."

Tjepkes said he focused on texting to improve the measure's chances of passing.

It doesn't address talking on a cell phone, and it makes clear that a driver must be traveling to fall under the law. Motorists wouldn't be prohibited from reading text messages on cell phones, and the measure would prohibit other levels of government from enacting stricter restrictions.

The measure also included a ban on police confiscating a cell phone, a move Tjepkes said was designed to guard the privacy of communications contained on the phone.

If it becomes law, the measure would delay enforcement for a year, requiring officers to only hand out warnings. When it takes effect, violators would be fined a minimum of $65.

In cases where texting can be linked to crashes causing serious injury, the fine would climb to $500 and includes loss of license. If texting causes a fatal crash, the fine goes to $1,000 and a the penalty includes a longer license suspension.

Rep. Curt Hanson, D-Fairfield, said polls have shown that motorists are concerned about texting drivers.

"We realize there's a great public outcry to do something," he said.