SCS/SB 701 - Under current law, drivers who are 21 years of age or younger are prohibited from text messaging while operating a motor vehicle. Under this act, the text messaging ban is applied universally so that all drivers, regardless of age, are prohibited from text messaging while operating a motor vehicle. The act allows any city or county to adopt ordinances or regulations which are equivalent to, but not more restrictive than, the state text message ban. Under the act, persons who use handheld mobile telephones in conjunction with voice-operated or hands-free devices to send text messages are exempt from the text message ban. STEPHEN WITTE