Tougher texting while driving law sought

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A Broward County Democrat wants lawmakers in 2017 to toughen the state's ban on texting while driving, though similar proposals in the past have repeatedly been rejected.

Rep. Richard Stark, D-Weston, filed a bill (HB 47) on Wednesday that would allow police to pull over motorists for texting while driving.

Under current law, motorists can only be cited for texting while driving if they have been pulled over for other reasons -- what is known as a "secondary" offense.

Also, Stark's bill would double fines for texting while driving in designated school zones or school crossings.

The bill is filed for the session that will start in March.