Wyoming Law Banning Handheld Texting While Driving
In one sentence
Plain language
Official record
Bill No.: <billno> Drafter: <drafterinit> Bill No.: SF0020 Drafter: JDA LSO No.: 10LSO-0102 Effective Date: 7/1/2010 Enrolled Act No.: SEA0045 Chapter No.: Prime Sponsor: Senator Esquibel, F. Catch Title: Text-based communications prohibited while driving. Subject: Motor vehicles handheld electronic wireless communication devices. Summary/Major Elements: Prohibits the use of a handheld electronic wireless communication device to send or read a text-based communication while operating a motor vehicle on a public street or highway. Provides exceptions to the prohibition for vehicles that are lawfully parked, for contacting emergency response vehicles and for a person operating an emergency response vehicle in the performance of his official duties. Provides that entering a number or word to make or receive a telephone call or using hands free technology is not a violation of the prohibition. Provides that a violation of the section is punishable by a fine not to exceed seventy-five dollars.
Public statements
Last checked Aug 8, 6:38 AM
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker argues against concurring because the amendments create confusing loopholes that allow drivers to use devices in ways that are more dangerous by pulling their eyes further from the road.
S09
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker supports concurring with the amendments to ensure that modern voice-activated and hands-free technology is not inadvertently prohibited by the bill's definition.
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker opposes the bill because it contains numerous loopholes, unintended consequences, and confusing definitions that make enforcement difficult. They also believe existing careless driving statutes are sufficient.
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker opposes the bill because they believe existing careless driving laws already cover distracted driving and that this specific text-based restriction is unnecessary and unclear regarding GPS usage.
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker opposes the bill because they believe it contains huge loopholes that allow for activities like Googling or Facebooking while driving, making it ineffective as a law.
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker opposes the bill because they believe it unfairly segregates texting from other distracting phone functions that are already covered by careless driving laws, and feels the body cannot keep up with technology.
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker supports the bill because they believe specific rules are needed beyond reckless driving laws and cites a personal story of a friend killed by a texting driver.
H05
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker opposes the bill because they believe it restricts legal activities against the will of citizens and that government should not protect people from themselves.
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker supports the bill because they believe texting causes accidents and deaths, making it a necessary traffic safety issue rather than a constitutional one.
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker supports the bill because they believe it addresses the growing issue of distracted driving accidents reported by law enforcement and protects citizens from being hit.
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker supports the bill because their grandchildren wrecked cars while texting and indicated that fear of a ticket would have prevented them from doing so.
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker supports the bill because they believe young passengers are terrified when drivers text, and the legislature must protect citizens' health and welfare.
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker supports the bill because they observe that law-abiding people currently text while driving in their community, and this legislation will stop them.
H50
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker supports the bill because they believe youth are brave but lack developed brains to make good decisions, leading them to drive dangerously while texting.
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker supports introducing the bill to address safety concerns regarding texting while driving, noting that it primarily targets youthful drivers and cites reports indicating a significant increase in accident danger.
If a lawmaker is not listed, we couldn't find a published reason.
Wyoming roll calls
9 roll calls
Official activity
Changes
9 stored
Failed 2nd reading by SHEPPERSON
Withdrawn 3rd reading by QUARBERG
Adopted, Corrected Committee of the Whole by COHEE
Adopted Standing Committee by H08
Failed 2nd reading by PERKINS
Withdrawn 2nd reading by MEIER
Adopted 2nd reading by MEIER
Failed 2nd reading by MEIER
Adopted 2nd reading by MEIER