A Breakdown of Senate Bill 99
Written by Cooper & Friedman PLLC on March 26, 2025
Lawmakers all over the country are constantly introducing new bills that have the potential to become new laws. Kentucky is no different. Just in 2025, there have been upwards of 814 House bills and 313 Senate bills proposed. One recent bill approved by the committee is Senate Bill 99.
Senate Bill 99: Enhancing Communication Device Safety
Senate Bill 99, sponsored by Senator Donald Douglas (R-Nicholasville), is a new law intended to improve road safety across Kentucky. The bill passed the Senate Transportation Committee with an 8-1-1 vote on February 12, 2025. If enacted, this bill will strengthen the laws regarding the use of personal communication devices in vehicles. It aims to reduce distractions and prevent accidents.
Key Provisions of Senate Bill 99
One of the central features of Senate Bill 99 is the restriction placed on young drivers. Under Senate Bill 99, individuals under the age of 18 would be prohibited from using a communication device in any form while driving, even hands-free. This is a step to further ensure that young drivers remain focused on the road. Subsequently, it would then reduce accidents caused by distractions.
While the bill would permit adults to use communication devices hands-free, any violation would result in a $100 fine. If someone under 18 violates the law, they would face a 90-day license suspension. In the bill, it is specified that “use” or “uses” includes:
- Using at least one (1) hand to hold a personal communication device;
- Pressing more than a single button to activate, deactivate, or initiate a feature or function of a personal communication device; or
- Reaching for a personal communication device in a manner that requires the driver to no longer be in a seated driving position or properly restrained by a safety belt.
At this time, the bill will not apply to situations where:
- The driver is an operator of an emergency or public safety vehicle and the use of the personal communication device is an essential function of the operator’s official duties;
- The operator of a motor vehicle who writes a text message on a personal communication device to:
- Report illegal activity,
- Summon medical help,
- Summon law enforcement or public safety agencies,
- Prevent injury to a person or property, or
- Is an operator of a school bus who is subject to KRS 281A.205 (using the communication device for communications made to and from a central dispatch, school transportation department, or its equivalent when the bus is not equipped with a functioning two (2) way radio.
Impact on Kentucky’s Roads
Senator Douglas emphasized that these penalties are intended to emphasize the seriousness of distracted driving, particularly in cases where it results in the injury or death of innocent people. The bill, he proposes, is necessary to prevent catastrophic injuries, including to pedestrians, runners, and cyclists on Kentucky’s roads. He also pointed out that distracted driving affects not just the driver but also those around them. The legislation’s goal is to increase awareness and create a safer environment for all road users.
Senator Jimmy Higdon, Committee Chair, noted that similar provisions are already followed by Kentucky’s truck drivers and bus operators due to federal regulations. With this bill, more drivers will be expected to follow the same safety measures. This could lead to safer driving conditions and fewer accidents on the roads, benefiting everyone, including motorcyclists, pedestrians, and cyclists. The bill has garnered widespread support, with legislators from both parties recognizing the importance of improving road safety. As it progresses, it is expected to undergo more discussion and adjustments before it reaches the full Senate for a vote.
In a Distracted Driving Accident?
If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident in the State of Kentucky and are in need of an experienced motor vehicle collision attorney, give the lawyers at the Cooper & Friedman law firm a call. The attorneys at Cooper and Friedman PLLC have over 50 years of combined experience defending the rights of car accident victims. Contact us with questions you might have or schedule a free case consultation with an attorney by calling 502-459-7555 today.