This week in the Idaho State Senate, we voted overwhelmingly 29-5 in favor of SB 1352, to add a clause to Idaho’s inattentive driving law banning texting while driving. As I have previously stated, this is a uniquely dangerous practice. According to the University of Utah, using a handheld device while driving slows down a driver’s reaction time as much as a blood-alcohol level of .08. Texting while driving multiplies your chances of getting in an accident by four times. As the Chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee and the sponsor of this bill, I answered numerous questions from other senators.  The definition in the bill is broad enough, that it covers reviewing or sending text messages.

I also have proposed legislation that would preclude Idahoans who are on active military duty from having to pay a $10 late fee for renewing their concealed weapons permit, once it has expired. I do not believe that our men and women in the armed forces should have to pay a penalty if they are unable to renew their permit because they are serving our country. This is a small way to honor the sacrifice of our men and women in the armed forces.  The bill passed the Senate Friday.