The legislature's Judiciary Committee is looking at strengthening the penalties for driving while using a mobile phone or electronic device, especially for repeat offenders.
The committee will hold a public hearing Friday on two bills designed to add teeth to a 2005 law banning the use of handheld cell phones while driving. It's the second time in two years that lawmakers have sought to tighten the rules on cell phone use while driving. Last year, legislators passed a bill eliminating a one-time forgiveness policy for violators, provided they agreed to buy a hands-free device. Former Gov. M. Jodi Rell signed the measure into law.
One of the bills under consideration this year calls for an immediate, 24-hour suspension of the motor vehicle operator's license of anyone issued a summons for two or more incidents of driving while talking, texting, or checking an email.
It would also sharply raise the fines for repeat offenders: Instead of $150 for the second violation and $200 for third and subsequent ones, the new penalty would be not more than $500 or three months in prison or both, for the second and subsequent offenses.
Another bill also under consideration would empower police officers to seize the phone or electronic device that was used by the driver and impound it for 48 hours.
The Judiciary Committee is slated to hold a public hearing on both measures on Friday at 10 a.m.