Texting-while-driving bill advances

BOISE (AP) - A bill that would ban texting-while-driving in Idaho has cleared another hurdle in its long legislative journey and is now headed to the House floor.

The House Transportation and Defense Committee voted Tuesday to advance the legislation but aim to expand the ban to include law enforcement.

The bill cleared the Senate 29-6 last week. Similar legislation has failed several years running.

Coeur d'Alene Sen. Jim Hammond sponsored the bill and told the committee it gives drivers and law enforcement a clear standard to follow while sending a strong message to young drivers.

At least 35 states and Washington, D.C., ban text messaging for drivers.

Hammond and law enforcement representatives at the meeting endorsed removing the exception for police and emergency personnel.