BOSTON (WHDH) - The Massachusetts House of Representatives and Senate released a joint statement Friday announcing they have come to an agreement on distracted driving legislation.
Representative Bill Straus and Senator Joseph Boncore have reached an agreement on new a new bill that will restrict the use of hand-held cell phones behind the wheel of a motor vehicle and update the existing laws regarding racial profiling by law enforcement, according to the release.
The bill is currently being circulated among the other Senate and House conference committee members for signatures.
The legislation is expected to be filed with the House Clerks office on Monday.
It is due to be reviewed by the entirety of the House and Senate later in the week.
In response to this news, a spokesperson for Governor Charlie Baker said, “Governor Baker filed legislation that would substantially reduce distracted driving and help keep the Commonwealth’s roads safe for residents across the state and will carefully review any legislation that reaches his desk.”
The final language of the bill has not yet been released.
NEW: Joint statement from House and Senate who are announcing agreement on distracted driving legislation: pic.twitter.com/P8BT4DFDLt
— Sharman Sacchetti (@SharmanTV) November 16, 2019
Distracted driving legislation has been in the works for more than a decade on Beacon Hill. Advocates say it will save lives pic.twitter.com/K88s5q1nUJ
— Sharman Sacchetti (@SharmanTV) November 16, 2019
(Copyright (c) 2024 Sunbeam Television. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)