Senate to consider ban of texting while driving

A proposal to ban texting while driving will get a hearing in the Republican-controlled Indiana Senate.

Senate President Pro Tem David Long of Fort Wayne says he will allow the bill that passed the House this week to get a legislative hearing in the Senate. Previous attempts to ban texting while driving have cleared the House but met resistance from conservative leaders in the Senate. Long said this year seems different because lawmakers have a growing awareness of how dangerous texting while driving can be.

The Legislature in 2009 barred those younger than 18 from using cell phones or texting while driving.

Under this year's proposal, drivers could face fines up to $500 if they text behind the wheel.