The House passed a bill today that would ban text messaging while driving.
According to the Tribune, the text messaging ban is part of a package of changes pushed by Secretary of State Jesse White to cut down on distracted driving. House lawmakers also voted Wednesday to prohibit the use of cell phones in school zones and construction zones–even for talking, White's office said.
The text messaging ban passed 89-27 and now goes to the Senate, where President John Cullerton (D-Chicago) is supportive of the package. Even so, the Senate on Wednesday overwhelmingly defeated legislation to require motorcyclists in Illinois to wear helmets, something that's mandated in 47 other states.
Call your representative and thank them for supporting this bill.
Be on the lookout for more legislative updates. Want to get involved? Contact Dan Persky at [email protected].