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New Florida bill would make it illegal to put on makeup, pet your dog while driving

The state's newest distracted driving bill aims to combat more than just texting while driving.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Some Florida lawmakers believe distracted driving goes beyond just texting or changing music.

SB 76, sponsored by Republican Rep. Jackie Toledo and fellow Republican Sen. Wilton Simpson, aims to make Florida's distracted driving laws much tougher.

10Investigates: Why Florida won't toughen toothless texting & driving laws

Right now, Florida drivers aren't allowed to text behind the wheel. But, it's only a secondary offense, which means police have to find another reason to pull somebody over before issuing a warning or citation for using the phone.

If passed, this new bill would make texting a primary offense. But, it wouldn't stop there. The legislation would also classify holding a phone, putting on makeup, petting your dog or even reading and writing as "distracted driving." 

The politicians behind the bill hope to improve driver safety, prevent crashes related to distracted driving and allow law enforcement to stop vehicles and issue citations more easily.

Click here to read the proposed legislation.

Previous: Florida lawmakers to consider harsher texting while driving ban

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