Ohio GOP questions need for driver-texting ban

COLUMBUS (AP) — The president of the Ohio Senate has doubts about whether the state should ban texting while driving, which was the subject of a three-hour Senate hearing.

Republican President Tom Niehaus says he has concerns about whether a statewide ban would be enforceable. He also says “you cannot legislate common sense.”

The Columbus Dispatch reports a Senate committee heard testimony Wednesday from school students, police, the auto club AAA and the father of an accident victim. They all urged lawmakers to outlaw texting behind the wheel.

But Republican committee member Bill Seitz of Cincinnati also questioned whether a ban was necessary. He says he thinks the issue is covered by current law against reckless driving.

The GOP controls the Ohio Legislature. Several Ohio communities already prohibit driver texting.