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• The House version would have made texting while driving a petty offense carrying a $25 penalty. Senators have argued the fine should be higher and a violation should be a primary offense, meaning law officers could stop drivers and issue them tickets solely for texting behind the wheel.
• Gosch has contended that the bill should prohibit local governments from having bans that differ from state law. He said a 1929 law already forbids local governments from having traffic regulations that conflict with state laws on the rules of the road.
• However, city officials have said they believe state law allows them to continue regulating texting while driving.
• Gosch said new negotiators might be able to find compromise. He said he would prefer the House version of the bill, but could accept a penalty of $100.
• Vehle, who has worked for several years to pass a texting ban, told the Senate the issue is so important that lawmakers should make another attempt to pass it.
• Sen. Larry Rhoden, R-Union Center, said even though South Dakota's larger cities already have texting bans, more than half the state's traffic fatalities occur on rural roads. A statewide ban on texting while driving could reduce rural accidents, he said.
• "I think we would be foolish not to give ourselves the opportunity to continue the conversation," Rhoden said.
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• PIERRE, S.D. (AP) -- A bill to amend South Dakota policies on student suspensions has cleared its last legislative hurdle.
• The Senate on Wednesday voted unanimously to pass the bill, which already has the approval of the House.
• The bill sets up a three-strike system and allows students to remain in extracurricular activities, even if they are suspended.
• One of the bill's sponsors said in a committee hearing Monday that the current law is punitive. She said students should be encouraged to participate in positive activities, like sports practices, even if they are not allowed to compete.
• The measure goes next to Gov. Dennis Daugaard for final review.
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