Texas Texting-And-Driving Ban Proposal Barely Misses

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AUSTIN (CBSDFW.COM/AP) — The Texas texting-and-driving ban proposal is being called a last minute legislative issue to watch.

A statewide ban on using hand-held devices behind the wheel cleared the House weeks ago. Currently, it is only one vote short of having enough support to reach the Senate floor, amid skepticism from Libertarian Republicans.

Clearing the Senate, however, does not guarantee that Gov. Greg Abbott will sign a statewide ban into law. His predecessor, Rick Perry, vetoed a similar measure in 2011, saying government shouldn't regulate the behavior of adults.

Almost every other state in America has beaten Texas to approving texting-while-driving bans, and local ordinances mean that most state residents already live in areas where it's forbidden.

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