By AP
Oklahoma City, OK – Okla Senate panel approves texting ban for drivers
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) Texting while driving could prove costly for Oklahoma motorists under legislation approved by a Senate panel.
The bill, which calls for fines of up to $500, was advanced in the Legislature despite concerns that enforcing it would pose a hardship for law enforcement.
The Senate Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security voted 6-2 on Thursday for the bill that would allow police to issue a citation only if the motorist were stopped for some other reason. It now heads to the full Senate.
Oklahoma Highway Patrol spokesman Maj. Rusty Rhoades says the agency supports the concept of a ban, but hasn't taken a position on the bill by Sen. Jerry Ellis, D-Valliant.
Sen. Ralph Shortey opposed the bill, saying he's concerned with government interfering in personal rights.