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Primary Sponsor

Last Action

Re-ref to the Com on Judiciary 1, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House2025-04-14

Vote Breakdown

No floor votes recorded.

Plain Language Summary

This bill makes it illegal to hold animals or allow them to sit in a driver's lap while driving, or to interact with children or animals in ways that impair safe vehicle operation on public roads. Violations are classified as infractions with a $100 fine and court costs, though law enforcement will issue warnings only during the first six months after the law takes effect on December 1, 2025.

Arguments in Favor

• •Supporters argue this bill addresses a genuine road safety hazard by reducing distractions that can cause accidents.
• •They contend that holding pets or attending to children while driving diverts driver attention and increases crash risk, and that a clear legal prohibition with enforcement will encourage safer driving behaviors and protect both vehicle occupants and the public.

Arguments Against

• •Opponents may argue the bill's language is vague—terms like "interacting" and "impairs" could be interpreted differently by different officers, potentially leading to inconsistent enforcement.
• •Some may also contend that existing distracted driving laws already address reckless driving behavior, making this law redundant, or question whether a $100 fine is an appropriate penalty for what could be minor interactions.