Renewed efforts to ban hand-held cellphones while driving have received a boost from a key legislative committee.
The Joint Transportation Committee on Thursday unanimously approved the measure, moving Massachusetts closer to 10 other states that already ban hand-held cellphone use while driving.
A hand-held ban has twice passed the House, but a divided Senate rejected a ban in 2010.
The bill's House sponsor, Joseph Wagner of Chicopee, calls it a "common sense measure."
He told The Boston Globe it makes more sense now that devices that allow hands-free cellphone talk in a vehicle are more advanced and widespread. He also says it will save lives.
Opponents say passing the measure would provide drivers a false sense of security.
It is unclear when the measure will go the floor.
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