S.D. Senate defeats ban on cell phone use while driving, but bill could see another vote

Lisa Kaczke
Argus Leader
Distracted driving

PIERRE — A proposed ban on using cell phones may not survive this legislative session. 

House Bill 1088 failed in a 17-17 vote in the Senate on Thursday, but Sen. Deb Soholt, R-Sioux Falls, has asked for the bill to be reconsidered for another vote on a future day. The Senate vote is the final step before the bill it would head to Gov. Kristi Noem for a final decision after it received the House's support earlier this month. 

More:Ban on cell phone use while driving in South Dakota sees early support from lawmakers

Bill sponsor Rep. Doug Barthel, R-Sioux Falls, told the Argus Leader earlier this month that the proposed law's purpose is safety for everyone on the road.

The bill exempts some cell phone activities while driving, including calling 911, using GPS on a phone, entering a phone number or using the phone in a hands-free mode.