LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – The Michigan Senate upheld a vote from the House on a series of bills that would increase restrictions to phone use while driving. 

With no floor discussion, the Michigan Senate voted to pass the bill package including bills 4250, 4251, and 4252 by a margin of 27 yes votes to 11 no votes.  The Senate also passed an immediate effect on the package.  

MORE NEWS: Michigan Has More Teachers and Fewer Students During Teacher Shortage

Last week, the Michigan House voted in favor of increasing restrictions for those using phones while driving including altering previous language about texting and driving. 

Before, the law read that “a person shall not read, manually type, or send a text message on a wireless 2 way communication device that is located in the person’s hand or in the person’s lap, including a wireless telephone used in cellular telephone service or personal communication service, while operating a motor vehicle.” 

The new language reflects simpler verbiage and wider effects, “An individual shall not hold or use a mobile electronic device while operating a motor vehicle.” The legislation also defines forbidden tasks to include: send or receive a telephone call; send, receive, or read a text message; view, record, or transmit a video; access, read, or post to a social media networking site. 

Representative Mike Mueller (R-Linden) also got House Bill 4252 passed which would require  a nearly two year study reviewing the application of the law, and its use on certain demographic populations.  Additionally, the law would be up for review in five years, in which lawmakers could extend or extinguish it. 

A supporter of the bill package, Representative Matt Koleszar (D-Plymouth) supports more restrictions to combat distracted driving. 

“It’s going to make Michigan’s roads safer,” he said. “Something we should all want.” 

MORE NEWS: Trump Takes Michigan

Others like Rep. Jaimie Greene (R-Richmond) has previously spoken against the package, viewing the alterations as unnecessary. 

“What are we trying to accomplish?” Representative Greene said, “We want people to text and drive less.  We already want people to speed less as well…More laws doesn’t necessarily mean that that action is going to take place.”

The only exceptions for using phones in a non-handsfree way would be to make emergency calls, report a traffic crash, medical emergency, or report a crime taking place, which would allow first responders to continue using their phones while on the job.  Otherwise, individuals would need to pull off the road and have their vehicle be completely stopped. 

With the Governor’s signature, these bills would become laws and make Michigan the 25th state to adopt hands free laws and Washington, D.C.; some other states include: Arizona, California, Indiana, Nevada, Tennessee, and Washington.