For Immediate Release: May 20, 2003
    Contact: Lark Park or Preston Taylor
    Phone: (916) 319-2021

      Hands-Free Cell Phone Bill Headed For Key Vote

    SACRAMENTO – A key vote on Assemblyman Joe Simitian’s cell phone bill, which requires cell phone users to use hands-free technology while driving, is expected to take place in the Assembly Appropriations Committee tomorrow, Wednesday, May 21, 2003.

    Assembly Bill 45 passed out of the Assembly Transportation Committee earlier this year on a vote of 14 to 5 (with 1 abstention). This marks the third year that the Democratic Assemblymember from Palo Alto has introduced this legislation. It is the first time the bill will be heard in the Appropriations Committee, which has 25 members and is chaired by Assemblyman Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento).

    If AB 45 passes the Appropriations Committee, it will be taken up on the Assembly floor prior to June 6. Simitian is “cautiously optimistic” that the bill will pass out of committee on Wednesday.

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