A bill passed by the Illinois legislature and headed to Gov. Rod Blagojevich would make it illegal for minors to operate handheld mobile phones while driving. Beginning next month, across-the-board driver use of handheld cell phones in Chicago will be banned. Efforts to reduce distractions to young, inexperienced drivers have prompted other states-Maryland, Colorado, Delaware and Tennessee-this year to forbid teenagers from talking on handheld phones while behind the wheel. New York, New Jersey and the District of Columbia have enacted laws requiring drivers to use hands-free devices for cell-phone calls. Connecticut Gov. M. Jodi Rell is expected shortly to sign a hands-free-only bill.
A statewide wireless association has formed in Florida aimed at educating the industry and the public about issues involving wireless technology at a state level. Similar associations have been formed in Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee. The Florida Wireless Association said it will not compete with national wireless associations. PCIA has endorsed such associations via the formation of its State Wireless Association Program. The group will hold an inaugural luncheon this week in Boca Raton, Fla. FWA also plans quarterly meetings, a golf tournament and a holiday party. “We are excited to have our industry give back to the community and have selected the Make-A-Wish Foundation to be our first benefactor for our upcoming golf tournament. We are also reviewing other charities for the holiday party,” said Michael Belski, president of the FWA.
The Louisiana State House overwhelmingly defeated a bill that would have imposed a 2-percent local excise tax on mobile-phone service and would have decreased existing landline telephone taxes. The cell-phone industry was strongly opposed to the bill, sponsored by Rep. Cedric Richmond (D) and defeated Tuesday by a 73-24 margin. Also, the Louisiana Senate-passed municipal telecom bill is headed to the House floor. The bill, authored by Sen. Sharon Weston Broome (D), would require a local government authority to call an election on whether it should proceed with Wi-Fi, cable, fiber-optic or other telecom projects.
