AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) _ Biddeford Democratic Rep. Paulette Beaudoin's bill would impose $50 fine for the first offense and $250 for repeat offenses. But the bill, which was reviewed Wednesday by the Transportation Committee, also includes a number of exemptions, including police and corrections officers, firefighters and rescue workers, doctors and transportation workers.
Some critics said the bill has too many exemptions. Others said people would ignore the law and it wouldn't make a difference.
A similar proposal last session was rejected. The committee was told that 10 other states ban cellphone use by drivers.
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