The ever-increasing popularity of cell phones has made it easier for motorists to carry their conversations on the road and with the convenience of texting, talking is no longer needed but can be dangerous.

The proposed legislation by State Rep. Jim McClendon (R-Springville) banning text messaging while driving, passed the Alabama House earlier in the month, but has since died in the Senate.

Alabama House Bill 35, approved by the public safety committee in January, would have banned text messaging and the use of handheld GPS devices while driving on Alabama’s roads and highways. Fines would have ranged from $25 to $75 and police and deputies could have pull over motorists when they suspect violations. However, the Senate’s Judiciary Committee killed the measure.

State Rep. Darrio Melton (D-Selma) said he supported the passage of the legislation.

“It’s a safety hazard to individuals while occupying vehicles,” Melton said. “We need laws in place and hopefully the state can get serious about implementing something to make it illegal to text and drive at the same time.”

Montgomery outlawed texting and cell phone use with the first offense of $50 and the second offense between $100-$500 and possible jail time. The city’s “distracted driving law” was enacted in September 2010 and local officials think it’s a great idea for Selma.

States like Indiana, Louisiana, Iowa and Virginia have already put laws in place to stop texting while driving.

Selma Police Chief of Police Williams Riley said texting and talking while driving in Selma is a great concern for his department. He hopes the Senate committee will reconsider their votes and move the legislation along.

“Texting takes away from operating a vehicle safely, especially for those who aren’t used to doing it on a regular basis,” Riley said. “I hope the Legislature reaches a compromise and analyzes the bill. Anytime we can keep people from being distracted is a good thing.”

Riley said he encourages drives to use hand-free devices while driving and to never text while driving.

“I hate to see individuals text while driving because it causes so many accidents,” Riley said. “There has to be a balance and hands-free devices are a good thing.”

State Sen. Hank Sanders (D-Selma) could not be reached for comment.