HARRISBURG -- Legislation to outlaw text messaging by drivers picked up speed yesterday, as a House committee approved it unanimously and two influential special interests came out in support of it.

The House Transportation Committee, chaired by Rep. Joe Markosek, D-Monroeville, voted to send House Bill 2070 to the House floor for action. Mr. Markosek, prime sponsor of the bill, said he hopes the House will approve the measure by the end of the year. He said it's important to eliminate one major cause of "distracted driving" and make state roads safer.

Rep. Rick Geist, R-Blair, ranking Republican on the transportation committee, called it "a well-done bill" and added, "As long as we stick to the deal and keep this bill as written," it should win House approval. Mr. Markosek said he realizes the bill doesn't go as far in reducing distractions as some people want, but it goes farther than others want, which he said is the essence of a compromise.

AAA and Verizon Wireless issued statements supporting the measure, which would prohibit drivers from sending text messages while they're behind the wheel.

"AAA strongly supports a statewide ban on texting because the significant mental, physical and visual distractions involved make it an extremely dangerous activity," said AAA spokesman Brian Newbacher.

He said public support for laws to ban texting while driving "is high," adding that a recent survey of AAA members in Pennsylvania showed 93 percent support for such a law.

Also, Marissa Mitrovich, a Verizon Wireless official in the Northeast, praised the state's efforts "to ban texting and e-mailing while driving. ... Drivers must stay focused on the road ahead."

Also yesterday, Rhode Island Gov. Donald Carcieri signed a law banning drivers there from texting while driving. Rhode Island becomes the 19th state with such a law, and the 12th to enact one this year.

Efforts are likely to amend the bill on the House floor, which could affect its chances of passage. Mr. Markosek said someone may try to add a provision prohibiting drivers from talking on hand-held cell phones or a move to increase the financial penalty for texting while driving. The bill calls for a $50 fine, which some critics think is too low.

There also could be a fine imposed against municipalities that enact their own anti-texting ordinances. Legislators want a uniform statewide policy.

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