PHOENIX — PHOENIX (AP) -- The Latest on proposals in the Arizona Legislature to ban cellphone use while driving (all times local):
1:25 p.m.
A proposal banning the use of hand-held cellphones by drivers across Arizona is on the way to Republican Gov. Doug Ducey's desk following a vote by the Arizona House.
Thursday's 44-16 vote on the harshest of three proposals debated by House lawmakers comes after years of inaction by the Republican-controlled legislature on the growing problem of distracted driving caused by cellphone use.
Ducey has pledged to sign the measure, which takes effect in January 2021.
Until then, cellphone use bans in more than two dozen cities can still be enforced.
The House also approved a measure that strengthens the state's existing distracted driving law. The House rejected a bill banning held-held cellphone use that didn't allow police to make a traffic stop just for that reason.
11:15 a.m.
Arizona House lawmakers have started debating three proposed laws designed to deal with distracted driving caused by cellphone use.
Two are versions of a total ban on hand-held cellphone use while driving and another just strengthens the state's existing distracted driving law.
Republican Sen. Kate Brophy McGee says she is "confident" the toughest measure she is backing has enough support to pass the House on Thursday.
That proposal only requires a positive House vote to head to Gov. Doug Ducey for his expected signature.
The other proposals will get a full debate Thursday and then a vote. One bans hand-held cellphone use but doesn't allow police to stop someone for just that reason. The other is the distracted driving law update.
12:01 a.m.
Arizona House lawmakers are expected to vote on three proposed laws designed to deal with distracted driving caused by cellphone use.
Two are versions of a total ban on hand-held cellphone use while driving and another just strengthens the state's existing distracted driving law.
Republican Sen. Kate Brophy McGee says she is "confident" the toughest measure she is backing has enough support to pass the House on Thursday.
The Senate approved that proposal on a 20-9 vote last week.
House Speaker Rusty Bowers decided all three would get votes after majority Republicans met Wednesday to discuss how to deal with the competing measures.
Proponents of the ban point to the death of a police officer in January after a distracted driver lost control on Phoenix-area freeway.