Texas lawmakers consider distracted driving ban

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas lawmakers are considering a statewide ban on texting while driving.

The House Transportation Committee heard emotional testimony on Tuesday from people who lost relatives in car wrecks involving mobile phones.

A Houston police officer, a spokesman for blind pedestrians and a representative of the major insurance companies also endorsed the bill.

Texas has already banned any use of mobile devices by drivers under age 18.

Texting behind the wheel is illegal in 39 states. Local ordinances ban the practice in cities including Austin, El Paso and San Antonio.

The proposed law would extend the ban to all drivers statewide. Gov. Rick Perry vetoed a similar proposal in 2011, calling it a government "overreach."

This time around, Rep. Tom Craddick is calling his proposal "the bipartisan bill of the session."