COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- South Carolina motorists would be fined $25 if they're caught sending or reading text messages while they drive under legislation that won approval in the House.
The chamber gave the bill a second reading by a 98-18 vote on Wednesday. Final approval is expected on Thursday.
Opponents tried to broaden the bill's scope.
Republican state Rep. Kris Crawford of Florence proposed ticketing drivers for taking off a jacket, eating a sandwich or putting on makeup while driving. He also wanted the bill to include a ban on drivers handling iPods.
The bill started out with a $100 fine with the loss of two driving record points. The penalty under the current proposal carries the $25 fine but no points. Violations can't be reported to insurers.
