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Committee weighs higher penalties for handheld device use as part of broader distracted‑driving effort
Summary
SB 649 would increase fines and add license consequences for repeat handheld‑device violations and crashes involving device use; AAA and law‑enforcement witnesses urged pairing stricter penalties with education and targeted enforcement.
Sen. Donovan Fenton introduced SB 649 to raise fines and strengthen penalties for drivers who use handheld mobile devices while operating a vehicle, with enhanced sanctions for repeat violations and cases where device use contributes to a crash.
AAA, law enforcement chiefs, and the State Police testified in favor, arguing a three‑part approach — law, enforcement, and…
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