Public support sought for texting bill

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Texting while driving is illegal in 19 states but not in Indiana. The Texting While Driving Bill now before the state Senate is in jeopardy.

State Senator Travis Holdman (R-Markle) says he now needs outside help to improve the bill’s chances.

"200,000 e-mails went out this morning to citizens all over the state of Indiana urging them to contact members of the Senate," says Holdman.

It's because a ban on texting while driving would be unenforceable in the view of Senator Brent Steele (R-Bedford.) The Holdman bill is assigned to the committee Steele chairs and he's not inclined to give it a hearing.

"When an officer is standing, sitting next to you in a car, and he looks over and sees your finger on the keys, what are you doing?" asked Steele. "Are you texting or are you dialing your wife?"

If you hit number keys, Steele says, you are legal. If you hit letter keys, you are breaking the law.

The development comes after the Indiana House approved the ban on texting while driving on a 95-to-3 vote. Rep. Joe Pearson (D-Marion) sponsored the bill in the House.

"Well, it’s bothersome," says Pearson. "It's a good bill. It's a bill we oughta be doing."

Steele may yet hold a hearing, if a majority of Republican Senators want one.

Sen. David Long (R-President Pro Tem) is the GOP Leader.

"But we will talk about it as a group," he says. "We're not just gonna let this sit undiscussed."

Either way, it will come down to the wire. If a hearing is granted, it will take place just before the General Assembly deadline.

AAA and insurance companies are among those now trying to apply pressure on Senator Steele. That's why if you have strong feelings for or against the bill now is a good time to text your Senator.