Some question penalties for texting and driving

(AP) - Police say they support laws banning cell phone use while driving in Nevada, but think proposed penalties may be too harsh.

The Assembly Transportation Committee on Tuesday heard AB151 and AB173, which ban texting and voice cell phone communication respectively.

But the bills carry a misdemeanor charge for a first or second offense and a gross misdemeanor for the third offense within seven years. A gross misdemeanor could lead to a year in prison and is similar to a charge of deliberate, reckless driving.

Representatives from Las Vegas and Henderson police departments suggested the committee explore traffic school or other progressive penalties.

The cell phone bills presented Tuesday are two of several working their way through the Nevada Legislature this session. Similar measures died in the 2009 legislative session.