Oklahoma House Kills Texting While Driving Ban, Debate Not Over

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OKLAHOMA CITY -- After emails, calls and pressure from the public, Oklahoma House Majority Floor Leader Dan Sullivan allowed legislators to vote on a texting while driving ban Thursday.

State Rep. Danny Morgan proposed the bill.  The measure failed, but that has not ended the debate in the legislature over texting behind the wheel.

The Oklahoma Senate passed a similar bill Wednesday making it illegal for a driver to text. Under Senate Bill 146, first-time offenders faced a fine of up to $175. Subsequent violations could lead to fines up to $500. The amounts would double if the driver is involved in a crash while texting.

The House must approve the Senate bill before it can go to the governor.

More: Oklahoma Lawmaker Proposes Texting While Driving Ban