Utah Senate approves, tables ban on driver cellphone use

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The Utah Senate has voted for preliminary approval of a bill to ban hand-held cellphone use while driving. The bill received majority support in the 19-8 vote but was tabled before final passage because the legislation would impact the budget. The bill is on hold until funding is found for the estimated $70,800 price tag due to increased court costs. Several bill supporters spoke about friends or family members who were killed or injured by drivers distracted by phones. Hand-held cellphone use while driving has been illegal since 2007 in Utah, but only in conjunction with another offense.