South Dakota Legislature: What To Know This Week

The Senate Transportation Committee is set to weigh a bill that would ban texting while driving across the state- a proposal that has been repeatedly rejected by the South Dakota Legislature.

It's one of several bills facing lawmakers this week when the legislative session reconvenes Tuesday.

Now that some cities have imposed their own bans on texting, some lawmakers hope a statewide ban could follow.

The measure would prohibit writing, sending or reading a text message while driving, but it would continue to allow drivers to make cellphone calls and use hands-free electronic devices.

The bill also would prevent cities from imposing ordinances that vary from a statewide texting ban. The measure's main sponsor, Republican Sen. Mike Vehle of Mitchell, says the law should be the same in every community.