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House passes HB190 banning cellphone use by school-bus drivers while driving
Summary
Representative Neil Hendrickson sponsored HB190 to prohibit school-bus drivers from using wireless phones while driving; supporters cited public-safety and enforceability arguments and the House passed the bill 48–26. Hendrickson declared a conflict as a bus driver.
Representative Neil Hendrickson, who declared a conflict because he drives school buses, told the House HB190 would make cellphone use by school-bus drivers unlawful and impose a $100 fine intended as a deterrent. He said local supervisory resources are insufficient to police infractions and argued a statewide statute provides consistent rules and enforcement authority across jurisdictions.
Opponents questioned whether local employment discipline and district policies already addressed the issue and whether a state statute was needed. Representative Bennion and others said they had not observed a widespread problem in their districts and worried about intruding on local management of employees.
Supporters including Representatives Bigelow, Morgan and Wallace emphasized public-safety consequences, jurisdictional consistency, and the need for enforceable penalties to deter distracted driving among drivers transporting children.
The House voted to pass HB190 by a recorded tally of 48 yes and 26 no votes; the bill will be referred to the Senate for further consideration.
