CT Transportation Committee Passed a Bill Concerning ‘Distracted Walking’ as an Offense

Report by Paula Antolini, March 22, 2019, 10:22PM EDT

A bill is being considered by lawmakers that would make it an offense to look at a cell phone or other electronic device, while crossing the street, and this would carry a fine. The purpose of the bill is “To prohibit pedestrians from crossing a highway while viewing a mobile electronic device,” and was introduced by the Transportation Committee, in the hope to supposedly ensure safety for pedestrians and drivers alike.

“Any person who violates the provisions of this section shall, for a first violation, receive a warning and, for any subsequent violation,
26 be fined twenty dollars,” reads the bill.

The bill, Raised S.B. No. 825 AN ACT CONCERNING DISTRACTED WALKING, was passed by the Transportation Committee this week and goes on to the Senate.

View full text of bill here.

View vote tally sheet here.

Bill History:
02-07-2019 REFERRED TO JOINT COMMITTEE ON Transportation Committee
02-08-2019 PUBLIC HEARING 02/13
03-20-2019 JOINT FAVORABLE
03-21-2019 FILED WITH LEGISLATIVE COMMISSIONERS’ OFFICE

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