HARRISBURG -- Legislation to prohibit drivers from sending text messages while they are behind the wheel has moved into the fast lane.

The state House Transportation Committee, with no discussion, voted unanimously today to send House Bill 2070 to the House floor for action. Rep. Joe Markosek, D-Monroeville, committee chairman and sponsor of the bill, said his goal is to have the House approve the measure by the end of the year.

He said a study committee has been working since August to put together a bill that will win General Assembly approval and get Gov. Ed Rendell's signature.

"So it's a compromise," he said, with some elements that may not be as strong as some people would like, and other elements that some critics may view as too strong.

Rep. Rick Geist, R-Blair, ranking Republican on the transportation committee, said that if the bill stays in its current form, it should win House approval.

"As long as we stick to the deal and keep this bill as written," Mr. Geist said he foresees approval. "It's a well done bill. But if some guys start Hollywooding around, it could be in jeopardy."

"Hollywooding around" is when legislators try to make major changes to a bill to attract attention from their constituents or the media.

Mr. Markosek said he does expect an effort to be made, on the House floor, to add an amendment prohibiting drivers from talking on hand-held cell phones. That would be a controversial move, he said.

There also might be an effort to increase the financial penalty for texting while driving. Currently the bill calls for a $50 fine, which some critics think is too low. There also could be a financial penalty inserted to prevent municipalities from passing their own anti-texting ordinances. Legislators want one uniform statewide policy.

If too many amendments are added, Mr. Markosek fears it could jeopardize the chances of passage for the overall bill. He said the Senate was kept informed about the details of the new bill but he couldn't say what will happen if and when the bill reaches the Senate.

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