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Gainesville commission backs hands-free driving resolution; cites state bill support
Summary
The City Commission unanimously adopted a resolution supporting a state hands-free driving law (House Bill 501) and requested a Senate sponsor; Gainesville Police expressed support during the meeting.
The City Commission unanimously adopted a resolution on Feb. 20 urging state action to ban handheld use of wireless devices while driving and expressing support for House Bill 501, a hands-free driving bill filed in the Florida Legislature.
Commissioner Book introduced the item and noted the resolution had been developed with local advocates, including Demetrius Branca, a statewide campaigner whose son died in a distracted-driving crash. City staff indicated Representative Allison Tant sponsored the House version and staff cited an identified Senate sponsor; commissioners urged the City to support state action to expand the current texting-while-driving civil restriction to broader handheld wireless-device uses.
Gainesville Police Captain (Hall) said the department supports the proposal and that it aligns with the city’s Vision Zero goals to reduce traffic fatalities and severe injuries. The Commission voted to adopt the resolution and to direct the city clerk to transmit the resolution to state legislators and local partners.
