Massachusets Senate Set to Debate Driver Texting Ban

The Massachusetts Senate plans to take up a bill that would ban text-messaging while driving.

The ban is included in legislation that would also require drivers 75 and older to undergo cognitive and physical screenings every three years.

Senators are scheduled to formally debate the bill today.

Many of the Senate bill’s provisions are included in a measure that’s already been approved by the House, including the texting ban.

But the Senate bill doesn’t include a proposed requirement that drivers use hands-free devices while speaking on a cell phone.

After the Senate acts, the bills will be merged in a conference committee before final debate and a vote.

The legislation comes after several serious or fatal accidents involving texting or elderly drivers.