![Minnesota May Require Drivers to Use Hands-Free Cellphones](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2014/02/cellphone.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Minnesota May Require Drivers to Use Hands-Free Cellphones
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) _ Minnesota may soon require drivers to use hands-free cellphones on the road, triple the penalties on people who text and drive, and even treat distracted drivers who cause injury or death the same as drunken drivers.
Leaders of the Senate and House transportation committees have authored hands-free bills and said Thursday that they're optimistic. They plan to hold hearings this month and hope for floor votes as early as next month.
House Transportation Chairman Frank Hornstein says distracted driving is the fastest growing cause of death and injury on Minnesota roads.
Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka and House Speaker Melissa Hortman have said they expect the legislation to pass this session.
Prospects for tougher penalties are less clear, though Senate sponsor David Osmek says he's optimistic, too.
More From AM 1240 WJON
![Choad Rage: Minnesota Drivers are Being Set Up to Fail](http://townsquare.media/site/66/files/2023/12/attachment-clay-leconey-WMnuhSK7w4-unsplash.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Speeding Driver Caught With High Blood Alcohol Level: A Cautionary Tale](http://townsquare.media/site/65/files/2024/04/attachment-Image-Credit-jonathan-cooper-and-kenny-eliason-via-Unsplash.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Time Change This Weekend Could Lead To Driving Problems in MN](http://townsquare.media/site/66/files/2023/10/attachment-dan-gold-kARZuSYMfrA-unsplash.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![RISKY MONEY: 30,000 Minnesotans Admit to Working While Driving](http://townsquare.media/site/66/files/2024/02/attachment-alexandre-boucher-CoUogz3Udak-unsplash.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![See You Next Time! This Central MN Kwik Trip Opens Feb 29!](http://townsquare.media/site/65/files/2023/10/attachment-Kwik-Trip-Maps.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![DUMB POLL: Where Are Your Hands Placed When You Steer?](http://townsquare.media/site/66/files/2024/01/attachment-laura-gariglio-tPxnF8LVNEI-unsplash.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Sign Of The Apocalypse: The DoT Is Never Any Fun](http://townsquare.media/site/66/files/2024/01/attachment-IMG_20231030_134350713.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![OPINION: Minnesota Drivers are Being Set Up to Fail](http://townsquare.media/site/66/files/2023/12/attachment-clay-leconey-WMnuhSK7w4-unsplash.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![1 Of The Midwest’s Favorite Convenience Store Gives Outage Update](http://townsquare.media/site/65/files/2023/10/attachment-Kwik-Trip-Maps.jpg?w=980&q=75)