Under to a new bill that will soon come before the Wisconsin State Assembly, residents under the age of 18 would not be allowed to use cell phones while driving.

Rep. Sandy Pasch, D-Whitefish Bay, introduced the bill that would prohibit minors from texting or talking on a cell phone or any other wireless telecommunications device, even while using a hands-free device. The only exception to the new law would be calling to report an emergency while driving.

Under the bill, violators of the law may be required to pay between $20 and $40 in fines for a first offense and between $50 and $100 for a second or subsequent offense within one year.

A Wisconsin Department of Administration fiscal estimate said there will be no fiscal effect on the state, but there is an indeterminate effect on local government costs.

Rep. Tony Staskunas, D-West Allis, is one of the sponsors of the bill. Staskunas said many studies have concluded cell phone use while driving is almost as unsafe as drunken driving. He added the bill is concentrated on minors because they are inexperienced and ought to concentrate on driving.

“It’s a difficult issue,” Staskunas said. “[The bill] is concentrated on minors because most accidents state and nationwide are caused by minors.”

Staskunas said a form of this bill has come before the Assembly in previous session, but said this version should pass because most other states have similar measures in place and the bill is very limited. He added he is certain the Senate will pass the bill as well.

Rep. Kelda Helen Roys, D-Madison, agreed inexperienced drivers are at the highest risk for accidents and place others at risk as well. She said it is important for young drivers to pay attention and develop good driving habits, and using a cell phone is very distracting.

“I know 16-year-old drivers won’t like it…but the bottom line is safety on road is critical, whether in regards to drunk driving or texting,” Roys said.

According to Roys, the purpose of this bill is similar to a graduated driver’s license and a permit.

“Young drivers are the most dangerous drivers,” Roys said. “They need to earn their driving privileges.”

Roys added the bill has bipartisan support and she thinks the Assembly will vote on the bill during the upcoming legislative session.

Republicans who are co-sponsoring the bill including Rep. Mark Honadel, R-South Milwaukee; Rep. Edward Brooks, R-Reedsburg; Sen. Luther Olsen, R-Ripon; Sen. Alberta Darling, R-River Hills; and Sen. Sheila Harsdorf, R-River Falls.

If the ban is passed, Wisconsin will be one of 22 states which prohibit newly licensed drivers from using cell phones while driving, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association. Only six states ban cell phone use for all drivers, including California, New York, New Jersey and Washington.