The Louisiana Legislature convened on April 28, 2025, at 9:30 AM in HCR-3 to discuss significant transportation legislation, particularly focusing on a bill aimed at regulating cell phone use while driving. The meeting featured testimony from various stakeholders, including citizens, civic leaders, and representatives from safety organizations.

The session began with a call for opposition to the proposed bill, which seeks to impose stricter regulations on the use of handheld devices while driving. Mary Susie Labrie, a long-time opponent of the bill, expressed her concerns, arguing that the legislation would criminalize common driving behaviors such as holding a map or taking a sip from a non-alcoholic drink. She emphasized that distractions like texting should be penalized, but not the use of hands-free devices or other benign activities that help keep drivers alert.

Richard Brown, president of Citizens for a Better Kenner, echoed Labrie's sentiments, highlighting that the bill had been rejected in previous sessions due to a lack of evidence supporting its effectiveness. He pointed out that studies indicate no significant difference in distraction levels between handheld and hands-free phone use, suggesting that the cognitive distraction from conversations is the real issue. Brown urged legislators to consider the unintended consequences of the bill, particularly in school zones where drivers may need to communicate about delays.

The discussion also included insights from representatives of the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission and the Louisiana State Police, who provided data on distracted driving incidents. Representative Phelps inquired about the methodology behind the data collection, which involves telematics to monitor phone usage while driving. This data revealed that Louisiana ranks high in distracted driving incidents, prompting calls for legislative action.

In closing, Representative Gloriosa, the bill's sponsor, argued for its passage, likening the current situation to past societal shifts regarding drunk driving laws. He asserted that the bill would help change the culture around cell phone use while driving, ultimately aiming to reduce accidents and save lives.

The committee voted favorably on the bill, signaling a step forward in addressing distracted driving in Louisiana. The meeting concluded with a motion to proceed with further legislative matters, including the approval of the annual state integrated coastal protection plan.