The House Transportation Committee heard the issue for the first time Tuesday; another hearing is planned for next week.
The bill's sponsor, Rep. Mike Doogan, says he likes the bill as is, but the Anchorage Democrat says he's receptive to changes.
Lawmakers asked transportation officials questions hinting at areas where the measure may be softened, such as with exceptions for hands-free kits or for long haul truckers who must communicate while driving.
Rep. Berta Gardner, D-Anchorage, sponsored a ban targeting young drivers last year. She said it's a matter of time before some kind of limit on cell use while driving is approved but that it seemed doubtful this session.
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