A measure in Maryland would make it a misdemeanor to cause accidents resulting in serious injury, if the driver at fault was talking on a cellphone.
The bill is scheduled for a hearing in the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday.
It would create a penalty of up to three years in jail and a $5,000 fine.
Under current law, supporters of the bill say crashes caused by cellphone distracted driving typically result only in a traffic violation.
The measure is being named Jake's Law after 5-year-old Jake Owen, who was killed in a crash in 2011.
A measure in the House of Delegates is sponsored by Del. Luke Clippinger, D-Baltimore. A Senate bill is being sponsored by Sen. Roger Manno, D-Montgomery.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
