Hands-Free Cellphone Bill Moves Forward in Minn.

April 1, 2019—The Minnesota Senate voted overwhelmingly on Monday for a bill barring cellphone use while driving unless the phone is being used in a "hands-free" manner, according to the Star Tribune.

The Senate bill bans most cellphone use while driving, unless the driver is using voice-activated or hands-free technology to talk or send messages. A menu of amendments, including a successful tweak allowing drivers to use phones tucked under a hijab or other piece of clothing, led to several hours of debate.

The House bill makes exceptions for emergency situations and one-touch activation features on cellphones. The Senate version, meanwhile, still allows for the use of popular GPS navigation and traffic apps while driving, according to the report.