A key roadblock to banning the use of hand-held electronic devices like cell phones in Vermont has been overcome with a key senator's change in position on the issue.
Senator Dick Mazza, the Democratic chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee, had been a past opponent of banning cell phones while driving, but changed to a yes vote as his committee voted unanimously in support of the bill on Tuesday.
Mazza notes Vermont already has banned texting while driving. He says that's been difficult for police to enforce, because officers often can't tell if someone was texting or dialing.
The House already has passed a cell phone ban. Governor Peter Shumlin has said he's cool to the idea, but has stopped short of a veto threat.
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