Wisconsin lawmakers passes ban on texting while driving with bipartisan support

Wis. texting ban passes with bipartisan support

MADISON, Wis. — Texting while driving would be banned for all drivers in Wisconsin under a bill that has passed the Legislature.

Wisconsin would become the 20th state with an outright texting ban under the proposal that Gov. Jim Doyle has said he will sign into law. The bill passed the Senate in October and cleared the Assembly on a bipartisan 89-6 vote Tuesday.

Because the Assembly bill varies slightly from the Senate version, another vote will be required before it heads to Doyle for his consideration.

The biggest difference is in penalties. Under the Assembly version, fines could be as high as $800 for second offenses while it would be capped at $400 under the Senate bill.