Cellphone Bill Dies In Md. House

Del. Marvin E. Holmes Jr. (D-Prince George's), who also voted against the bill, said he hopes tweaking the legislation could help it pass next year.

"The concept of the bill is good, but it's too restrictive," Holmes said. "I think we can narrow the scope next year to pass it. Most good legislation takes several years before it gets to the governor's desk."

For Del. Tanya T. Shewell (R-Carroll), passing a cellphone bill is a personal mission. Shewell said that she and her husband drove to the airport recently and that a young woman driving behind them was so distracted by talking on her cellphone that she rammed her car into theirs.

"I'm a believer that cellphones are a problem," said Shewell, who voted for the bill. "I just think we're seeing more and more of the accidents."

Lenett, the bill's sponsor, said he was "very disappointed" that his legislation was killed. But he said he was pleased that the vote was so close and hopes the bill will pass next year.

"We have a lot of momentum going into next year," Lenett said. "Every year, more and more states come on board with this legislation. It's a common-sense public safety measure."

Proposals for driving regulations have been particularly contentious in Annapolis this session. This month, both chambers passed legislation to allow police departments to install roadside cameras to ticket speeding motorists in work areas, school zones and residential neighborhoods across the state.

The Senate and House now must agree on a final version. Gov. Martin O'Malley (D), whose administration proposed the speed cameras bill, is expected to sign the legislation.

Currently, speed cameras are legal only in Montgomery County, but the legislation would allow the state's 23 other jurisdictions to use them.