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House Panel Kills Measure To Ban Text Messaging By Drivers

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- A House subcommittee has killed a legislative proposal to ban text messaging while driving.

The Public Safety and Rural Roads Subcommittee on Tuesday moved the legislation sponsored by Rep. Jon Lundberg, a Bristol Republican, to a summer study committee.

Current law already bans drivers on a learner's permit or an intermediate license from using a cell phone while in motion, unless there is an emergency. That law also applies to school bus drivers.

The measure sought to make it a misdemeanor for any driver to read or write text messages while driving. The fine would have been $50.

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