St. Paul, MN – Sen. Scott Newman (R-Hutchinson) and Rep. Frank Hornstein (D-Minneapolis), chairmen of the Senate and House transportation committees, introduced bipartisan ‘hands-free’ cell phone legislation aimed to increase safety for drivers, passengers, bicyclists and pedestrians on Minnesota’s roads. The bills (S.F. 91 and H.F. number to be announced) would prohibit cell phone usage outside of one-touch communications, similar to laws already on the books in sixteen states and Washington D.C.
“The ‘hands-free’ bill isn’t about restricting liberties; it’s about public safety. We’re sending a message to drivers across Minnesota: get off your phone and focus on the road. Life depends on it,” said Senator Scott Newman. “When you operate a vehicle, you have a responsibility to yourself, your passengers, and the others on the road. This bipartisan measure will help reinforce just how dangerous distracted driving is.”
“Distracted driving fatalities are continually on the rise,” said Rep. Frank Hornstein. “Minnesotans deserve to be safe on our roadways. Requiring ‘Hands-free’ mode will deliver common sense safety measures to combat these preventable tragedies.” Continue reading “House and Senate Transportation Committee Chairs Introduce Bipartisan ‘Hands-Free’ Cell Phone Legislation”