Legislation that will ban texting and driving is currently moving through the Senate. Combined Bill 56 and 61, known as Siddens Bening Hands Free Law, would ban drivers from physically holding devices, making calls, texting, sending emails, searching the internet, watching videos, or browsing social media while on roadways. There are some exceptions such as radios, medical devices, and other devices affixed to vehicles.
The Senate Transportation, Infrastructure, and Public Safety Committee passed the bill 6-0, sending it to the Senate floor. It now sits as bill #9 on the Senate formal calendar for debate. The Highways and Transportation Commission, Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety, and the Department of Transportation are cautiously optimistic about its passage this session.