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Panel adopts amendment to distracted-driving bill to conform with federal guidance; debate centers on what 'device' covers
Summary
The committee adopted an amendment to clarify distracted-driving language so the state remains eligible for federal funding; testimony from Arkansas State Police said federal guidance bars any handheld or hands-free device use for drivers 18 and under, and senators debated whether the word 'device' needed clearer definition to avoid unintended consequences for GPS and medical tablets.
Senator Johnson presented an amendment amending language in the distracted-driving statute and deleting two sections: one that would have changed a seat-belt offense to secondary and an emergency clause. The amendment, Johnson said, was prepared with input from the state police and deletes section 8 (seat-belt change) and section 9 (emergency clause).
Committee members raised drafting concerns about a standalone…
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