A couple of state lawmakers are trying to up the penalties for people who cause death from texting while driving. The newly filed bill follows a similar measure moving through the Florida Legislature calling for a ban on texting while driving in the state.
Currently, Florida does not have a law banning texting while driving—which some lawmakers are hoping to change this year for the fourth year in a row. In the meantime, some lawmakers are working to ensure anyone who kills anybody while texting while driving goes to jail. Democratic Representative Irv Slosberg is sponsoring a bill that would make the standard penalty a vehicular homicide:
“The state of Florida is sending a message, and the message is we are no longer going to accept texting and driving, and the consequences are if you kill someone, you’re going to go to jail for a long time,” said Slosberg.
A penalty of vehicular homicide could result in between 15 to 30 years in jail and a $10,000 fine. The bill’s (SB 708) Senate sponsor is Democratic Senator Darren Soto of Orlando.
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