Pa. Senate to consider driving-while-texting ban

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Pennsylvania is getting set to join more than 30 other states that ban all motorists from texting while driving.

The state Senate is expected to vote later today on an amended version of a bill it easily passed in June. The state House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved the bill Monday.

A spokeswoman says Gov. Tom Corbett supports the bill.

The bill would make texting behind the wheel a primary offense so that police can pull over motorists for that violation alone. The penalty is $50 but police may not seize the cellphone or other device.

However, talking on a cellphone without a hands-free device remains legal for motorists after the House removed a provision that would ban the activity. Nine states have such bans.