Using a cell phone to send text messages or e-mail while driving is one step closer to becoming illegal in Michigan.
The state House on a 74-33 vote Tuesday passed the key bill in a package enacting a ban starting July 1.
The Senate already has passed the main legislation and Governor Jennifer Granholm plans to sign it once it gets to her desk. That process will be delayed until the Legislature completes work on a companion bill dealing with how texting violations are reflected on driver's records.
That final bill could be passed soon.
The legislation would make texting a primary offense, meaning police could pull over and cite motorists just for texting. Fines would be $100 for a first offense and $200 for repeat offenses.
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