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Ducey Vetoes Arizona Distracted-Driving Bill Different From Cellphone Ban Bill

Early last week, Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey signed a measure that prohibits the use of mobile devices while driving. But on Friday, Ducey vetoed a different distracted driving bill.

Senate Bill 1141 would essentially make it illegal for drivers to have anything in their hands, like food, beverages or makeup, not just devices. But officers would not stop drivers unless there’s no reasonable control behind the wheel, making the vehicle an immediate hazard.

House Bill 2368, signed last week, makes driving with a device an offense simply if seen, which was Ducey’s argument in his veto statement for SB1141.

State Sen. J.D. Mesnard wrote the measure and said that phone usage contributes to only a portion of distracted driving incidents.

"I only know what he said in his veto, which is different than what his office had previously told me about my bill," Mesnard said, "And I think what he told the public about the bill earlier in the session."

Ducey said back in January there was talk of the bill last year and that he would have signed it if presented.

 

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Matt Kling was an intern and reporter at KJZZ from 2018 to 2019.