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SF0065

Wyoming Bill SF0065: Limits on Phone Use for Certain Drivers

Last scannedOct 18, 2026, 2:19 AM

In one sentence

This bill would prohibit drivers with learner's permits or restricted licenses from using cellular or satellite phones while driving, unless the phone is used hands-free.

What it does

  • Creates a new law, W.S. 31-5-236, that restricts phone use for specific drivers.
  • Prohibits drivers with a permit or restricted license from using a cellular or satellite phone while operating a vehicle.
  • Bans receiving or sending text or email messages on these phones while driving.
  • Allows the use of the phone if it is specifically designed for hands-free operation and used that way.
  • Exempts drivers who are lawfully parked or contacting an emergency response vehicle.
  • Sets penalties for violations based on existing state law W.S. 31-5-1201(b).

Who it affects

  • Drivers who hold a permit under W.S. 31-7-110.
  • Drivers who hold a restricted driver's license under W.S. 31-7-117(c).

Limits and unknowns

  • The bill did not pass and was indefinitely postponed in the Senate on January 28, 2009.
  • The bill text provided is a working draft; the final version may have differed if it had passed.
  • The bill does not specify the exact dollar amount of the penalty, only that it follows W.S. 31-5-1201(b).

Plain language

Terms to know

Cellular telephone
A mobile communication device that uses short-wave analog or digital radio transmissions between the device and a nearby transmitter to permit wireless telephone communications. It does not include a citizen's band radio.
Satellite telephone
A mobile communication device that transmits and receives radio signals to and from one or more satellites in earth's orbit to permit wireless telephone communications. It does not include a citizen's band radio.
Restricted driver's license
A driver's license with specific limitations, as defined in W.S. 31-7-117(c).

Official record

Sources

Source checked
Official bill pageIntroduced textOfficial digestCurrent bill text

Public statements

Why lawmakers voted

Last checked Aug 8, 2:44 AM

Voted Yes

Why they voted this way

The lawmaker supports the bill because driving is a complex skill that requires full attention during the learning phase, and cell phone use distracts from mastering this safety-critical ability.

Public statementFloor statement at 42:36 Watch the statement
Voted No

Why they voted this way

The lawmaker opposes the bill because he believes it targets the wrong population, arguing that older drivers are less capable of handling cell phones while driving and pose a greater safety risk.

Public statementFloor statement at 45:21 Watch the statement
Voted Yes

Why they voted this way

The lawmaker supports the bill because new drivers need a period of undivided concentration to learn basic driving skills without the added distraction of cell phones.

Public statementFloor statement at 49:44 Watch the statement
Voted Yes

Why they voted this way

The lawmaker supports the bill because research indicates cell phone use degrades driving performance similarly to being impaired, and he aims to save lives by addressing this risk.

Public statementFloor statement at 51:25 Watch the statement

If a lawmaker is not listed, we couldn't find a published reason.

Wyoming roll calls

Recorded votes

2 roll calls

S Failed CoW; Indef Postponed 13-17-0-0-02009-01-28 · Senate13 yes 17 no
Yes
13
No
17
Absent
0
Excused
0
Conflict
0

Yes 13

Bill LandenR · S27Charles ScottR · S30Chuck TownsendS01Dan DockstaderR · S16Floyd EsquibelS08Gerald E GeisS20Grant C LarsonS17John HastertS13Kathryn L SessionsS07Michael J Mr. Von FlaternS24Mike MassieS09Rick D HunnicuttS05Wayne H JohnsonS06

No 17

Austin "Kit" JenningsS28Bill Mr. VaseyS11Bruce Burns Jr.S21Cale CaseR · S25Curtis MeierS03Drew A PerkinsS29Eli D BeboutS26Henry R CoeS18Jim AndersonS02John C SchifferS22John J HinesS23Kenneth J DecariaS15Marty A MartinS12Phil A NicholasS10Ray R PetersonS19Stan CooperS14Tony RossS04
S08 Recommended Amend and Do Pass 5-0-0-0-02009-01-26 · Senate5 yes 0 no
Yes
5
No
0
Absent
0
Excused
0
Conflict
0

Yes 5

Bill LandenR · S27Dan DockstaderR · S16Floyd EsquibelS08Gerald E GeisS20Michael J Mr. Von FlaternS24

Official activity

Bill history

  1. S Failed CoW; Indef PostponedSenate
  2. S Amendments AdoptedSenate
  3. Amendment AdoptedSenate
  4. S Placed on General FileSenate
  5. S08 Recommended Amend and Do PassSenate
  6. S Introduced and Referred to S08Senate
  7. S Received for IntroductionSenate
  8. Bill Number AssignedLSO

Changes

Amendments

1 stored

SF0065SS001

Adopted Standing Committee by VON FLATER