DES MOINES — A House panel on Thursday endorsed banning the use of handheld electronic devices while driving but agreed motorists who violate the new law, if passed, would only get a warning for the first year before officers would start issuing $30 tickets for the offense.

Rep. Gary Worthan, Storm Lake, chairman of a House Transportation subcommittee, said the phased-in enforcement is needed to garner support among majority Republicans in the House of Representatives. House Study Bill 139 now moves to full committee for expected action next week.

“We want law enforcement to vigorously enforce these warnings,” said Worthan.

The proposed legislation, which won 3-0 subcommittee support with Worthan’s amendment, would ban the use of handheld electronic devices while driving. Representatives of auto manufacturers also asked that the bill be modified to allow for future advancements like voice-activated texting or built-in navigation that would not require setting by hand while driving.

Read the full article on the Cedar Rapids Gazette website.