After nearly two decades of pressing for the measure, Gov. Josh Shapiro is preparing to sign the bill that will ban cellphone use while driving for almost any purpose, according to a staff report from The Keystone.

Shapiro first introduced a similar bill 18 years ago when he served in the state House of Representatives to reduce distracted driving accidents and deaths. The bill will take effect a year after it is signed by the governor.

The bill also contains a provision the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus has long advocated for as a bulwark against racial profiling. The provision requires that all larger police departments and Pennsylvania State Police collect and publicly report data—including a driver’s race—on traffic stops.

Shapiro called the bill that passed both state Legislature chambers last week “common sense.”

Once it is signed, the bill will bring Pennsylvania into alignment with all of its neighboring states on the law on motorists’ cellphone use. At this time, Pennsylvania only restricts texting while driving while allowing other cellphone use.

Read more about the Pennsylvania bill that will ban cellphone use while driving, which Governor Shapiro plans to sign in The Keystone.

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