AUGUSTA, Maine - A bill that sought to prohibit drivers from using hand-held cellphones has been defeated in the Maine Legislature.
The Democratic-led House voted 82-65 against an amended version of Republican Sen. Roger Katz's bill on Wednesday. The bill is now dead.
The Republican-controlled Senate had modified the proposal to reduce the penalties for offenders to gain more support. The penalty for the first offense would have been $75. Subsequent offenses within a three-year period would cost $150.
Drivers still would have been allowed to use hands-free devices.
Opponents said the bill is unnecessary because texting behind the wheel and distracted driving are already illegal in Maine. Others said talking on a hands-free device can be just as distracting.