By MICHAEL NOYES
HELENA – On Thursday afternoon, lawmakers heard from supporters of a law that would prohibit the use of hand-held mobile phones and electronic devices.
     Bill sponsor Sen. Christine Kaufmann, D-Helena, said 37 states currently ban texting. She said surveys show a larger percentage of people agree that texting and talking on cell phones should be banned.
     “The goal of this bill is public safety,” Kaufmann told members of the Senate Highways and Transportation Committee. “Your constituents will like this bill.”
     Supporters of the bill said a statewide approach is needed to create safer conditions for motorists. Opponents said the bill would
     Representatives from several organizations including the Montana Highway Patrol, Montana Tow Truck Association, the Montana Police Protective Association, and Verizon Wireless spoke in favor of Senate Bill 251. One person testified in opposition to the bill.
     Helena resident Rolph Schroeder said he has been in an accident with someone who was talking on a cell phone.
     “I am always disturbed by someone who is using a cell phone while driving,” he said. “My formula here is cars, phones, and kids just mean trouble.”
     Speaking in opposition to the bill, Montana Libertarian Party Chairman Mike Fellows described it as “feel-good legislation.” Fellows said some cities use the measure more as a revenue enhancing device.
     “Bad driving is the problem, and we have laws on the books to deal with bad drivers,” he said.
     Sen. Gene Vuckovich, D-Anaconda, questioned the methods of enforcement. He said many people will text where it may not be visible to law enforcement.
     “The problem is how do you enforce it?” Vuckovich said.
     A law enforcement officer testified that it may be difficult to see drivers texting. In those cases, he said officers would need probable cause to make a traffic stop.
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