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Louisiana drivers would have to use a handsfree device or put their cellphones on speaker mode to talk on the phone while driving or risk a fine from police under a proposal that won House backing.
Republican Rep. Mike Huval has tried and failed for years to ban handheld cellphone use while driving. House passage Wednesday with a 77-20 vote sends the measure to the Senate for consideration.
Huval calls it a matter of public safety. Opponents questioned whether the measure would improve driving conditions, and they suggested the bill would put a burden on the poor by requiring them to buy new equipment.