Legislation that would require hands-free cell phone use for drivers has been approved in its first committee stop — the Minnesota House Transportation Finance and Policy Division, according to a press release.

State Rep. Peggy Bennett (R-Albert Lea) who is the Republican lead on the hands-free bill, said she is pleased with the positive progress.

“This is the first bill the division heard this year, so I’m pleased it is being prioritized and is moving forward,” Bennett said.

Bennett said the bipartisan, bicameral bill is necessary in order to reduce the number of accidents that occur due to drivers who pay more attention to their cell phones than the road.

Current law states it is illegal to text while driving in Minnesota, but it is not illegal to type in a phone number or program a GPS system while behind the wheel.

The legislation Bennett is co-authoring would allow voice activated cell phone use only, along with one-touch or headsets. Current penalties will remain in effect, though increased and/or additional penalties will be debated in a separate bill.

“The clear goal of the proposal is to keep a driver’s eyes focused on the road, not on their cell phone,” Bennett said.

Bennett noted that 12 of 15 states that approved a similar law saw a decrease in fatalities within two years of implementation.

The hands-free bill will soon be referred to another committee for continued debate.