Texting-while-driving ban vote expected today in Senate

The Arizona Senate is scheduled to vote today (March 22) on a bill that would make it illegal in Arizona to text while driving.

A vote on the texting bill was scheduled last week but the sponsor says he had it postponed because of tension among senators over the budget and payday loan legislation.

Proponents say the bill would help improve highway safety while opponents say motorists distracted by texting can and should be ticketed for reckless driving.

The bill would make texting by driving a civil traffic violation punishable by a $50 fine. The fine would rise to $200 if the violator is involved in an accident.

Senate passage would send the bill to the House.

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