Senate

Mass. House Passes Hands-Free Cellphone Bill

The Massachusetts House of Representatives passed legislation that would bar motorists from using hand-held cellphones while behind the wheel.

The bill, if it becomes law, would also ramp up the collection of data on traffic stops around the state to guard against racial profiling by police.

State representatives passed the bill by a vote of 155-2 Wednesday.

House Speaker Robert DeLeo described the bill as an important public safety measure that would help reduced deaths and injuries caused by distracted driving.

Motorists could still use their cellphones with hands-free technology, but could face fines of up to $500 if pulled over for holding a cellphone.

Concerns have been raised that a cellphone law might lead to more racial profiling by police in traffic stops.

The Senate is expected to debate a similar bill next month.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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