Senator Kissel Opposes Legislation Banning Motor Vehicle Cell Phone Use

State Senator John A. Kissel (R-Enfield) has expressed his opposition to legislation that would ban the use of hand-held cell phones by those operating a motor vehicle in Connecticut. Senator Kissel voted against the legislation,
HB 6722, on Tuesday in the Judiciary Committee. The bill passed out of the Committee and was approved by the House of Representatives yesterday.

“Most Connecticut drivers are generally responsible and attentive when behind the wheel. We should not be punishing them because a handful of other motorists fail to pay attention to the road,” said Senator Kissel. “It is unfortunate that the irresponsibility of a few drivers may result in the vast majority of Connecticut citizens being prevented from making simple phone calls while driving their car.”

Senator Kissel also pointed out that the bill is an example of the General Assembly trying to over-legislate an issue.

“Drivers in Connecticut are still permitted to change the radio, drink a soda, or even comb their hair while driving. It seems as if we are trying to over-legislate and at the same time unnecessarily target cell phone users. Plus there are so many exemptions to the ban in the legislation that it may prove complicated to enforce. Thousands of good drivers shouldn’t be punished because a few people don’t pay attention to the road when they are driving. When this bill comes to the Senate, I’ll be voting ‘no,'” said Senator Kissel.

Senator Kissel is a Deputy Minority Leader and the Ranking Member of the General Assembly’s Judiciary Committee. He serves the seventh district communities of Enfield, East Granby, Granby, Somers, Suffield, Windsor, and Windsor Locks.