An effort to restrict the state’s newest drivers from tapping away on their cell phones, appears to be dead in the state legislature.
Arizona Rep. Phil Lovas, who chairs the House Rules Committee, confirmed yesterday he is refusing to give a hearing to a Senate-passed bill that would make the use of hand-held communication devices illegal for teens during the first six months they have a license.
Lovas said he’s concerned the limited ban could lead to a more extensive and unnecessary crackdown on all drivers.
The bill's sponsor, Karen Fann was disappointed.
"It is a sensible bill. It addresses just the teenage drivers, Class G license, that already has restrictions on it," Fann said. "We're just adding one that will help protect and save our kids' lives, hopefully, because they will learn good driving habits, which is what Class G license are all about."
Lovas said he is "personally ambivalent'' about making the practice illegal.
Instead, Lovas said he is reflecting the views of some other legislators.