A bill that would make texting while driving illegal was sent back to committee Wednesday instead of lawmakers voting on it.

Proposed by Rep. Don Bowen, R-Anderson, the bill would outlaw using electronic communication devices while driving impose penalties when the crime leads to traffic violations or accidents.

The penalties proposed are a fine of $2,500 to $5,000 and mandatory imprisonment of 30 days to 5 years if the crime results in great bodily injury.

When death results, the bill proposes a fine of $5,000 to $10,000 and mandatory imprisonment of 1 year to 10 years.

Rep. Chris Murphy, R-Dorchester, made a motion to send the bill to the Judiciary Committee where the penalties could be evaluated.

To coincide with the bill coming before the House for consideration, the company AT&T set up a simulator in the State House lobby to demonstrate the dangers of texting while driving.

Reach Selt at (803)771-8658