LANSING -- Michigan lawmakers have passed a bill that would ban cellphone use by new drivers.
The Michigan Legislature passed the bill dubbed "Kelsey's Law" 74-33 during a final legislative session that spanned two days and ended early Friday morning.
The bill is named after a Sault Ste. Marie teenager who died in a cellphone-related crash. Anyone caught using a cellphone while driving on a level 1 or level 2 probationary license would face a civil infraction.
Bonnie Raffaele, Kelsey's mother, says in a statement she is "deeply grateful" to lawmakers "who put partisan bickering aside to pass this important law."
Kelsey's Law is supported by public safety and medical groups. They say the ban could save the lives of inexperienced drivers.
The bill awaits Gov. Rick Snyder's signature.
