The South Dakota Senate has passed a bill to enact a statewide ban on texting while driving. State Senator Mike Vehle of Mitchell is the prime sponsor…..

 

Earlier the House passed a statewide texting while driving ban sponsored by Speaker Brian Gosch of Rapid City who, in the past, opposed a ban. Vehle says one of the differences is that the House version limits local jurisdictions from strengthening the law. Vehle’s original bill allowed that, however he amended the measure….

 

Vehle’s previous attempts to pass a statewide texting ban failed.  And while he’d prefer a stronger law…..

Vehle expects conferees to work on an agreement to combine the two measures into one that will be acceptable to lawmakers and ultimately the Governor.