Wyoming Bill Seeking Prison for Deadly Texting While Driving Fails

Lawmakers in the Wyoming House have voted down a bill that would have meant prison time for drivers who cause a deadly wreck while texting on their phones.

Texting while driving in Wyoming currently is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $75.

A bill sponsored by representatives including Hans Hunt, of Newcastle, would have allowed up to 20 years in prison for drivers who cause a deadly texting crash. Hunt said Friday a texting driver who crashed in northeast Wyoming recently badly hurt two men who were helping another motorist.

Other lawmakers questioned whether the bill was necessary.

The bill failed with two-thirds of the House voting no. The bill needed a two-thirds majority to be introduced for further discussion.