Bills Toughening Mass. Texting Law To Be Heard

BOSTON (AP) — Proponents of stricter rules against cellphone use while driving in Massachusetts will have a chance to make their case on Beacon Hill this week.

The Legislature's Transportation Committee has scheduled a public hearing Tuesday on bills that would ban motorists in Massachusetts from using their cellphones while driving unless they have a hands-free device.

The state's current law only bars adult motorists from texting behind the wheel. It also prohibits any kind of cellphone use by drivers ages 18 and younger.

Another proposal before the committee would make it illegal for a motorist to use a cellphone when operating within a school zone.

The National Transportation Safety Board recommended last month that states outlaw all non-emergency cellphone use by drivers.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.