Posted on 01/09/2020 9:40:25 PM PST by grundle
MONTPELIER, Vt. — While not expected to have any chance of becoming law, a bill proposed in the Vermont state senate this week would ban anyone under the age of 21 from using or possessing a cellphone.
The controversial bill was introduced by Democratic state senator John Rodgers on the first day of Vermont’s 2020 legislative session. The bill would make cellphone possession or use a misdemeanor punishable by a maximum of a year behind bars and a $1,000 fine, according to the Times Argus.
The bill cites traffic accident concerns and bullying among the reasons for the proposed ban. “The use of cell phones while driving is one of the leading killers of 15 teenagers in the United States,” according to the bill.
“Young people frequently use cell phones to bully and threaten other young people, activities that have been linked to many suicides,” the bill states.
“In light of the dangerous and life-threatening consequences of cell phone use by young people, it is clear that persons under 21 years of age are not developmentally mature enough to safely possess them,” the bill concludes, placing cellphone use in the same category as the right to possess firearms, smoke cigarettes, or consume alcohol.
“I have no delusions that it’s going to pass. I wouldn’t probably vote for it myself,” he said. Rodgers told the Times Argus. He said he introduced the bill to make a point.
Several states have placed a ban on people under 21 years old using their cellphone while driving, but none have introduced an all-encompassing age limit, WMAQ reported.
Next step, make social media minimum age of 21.
I know kids can have problems with phones. Today things are pretty hectic in kid’s lives, and parents want to keep in contact with them about plans changing, or making adjustments to the day’s schedule.
I’m not sure this ban would fly.
As much as parents aren’t real sold on all the things their kids do with their phones, contact in emergencies is still a priority.
Will be interesting to see how this plays out.
18 to 20 year olds vote.
This may not have been such a swell idea for public officials to bite off on.
Cant drink or smoke or have a cell phone until they are 21 but they can still vote at 18 and go die for the country at 17? Makes zero sense to me.
It may already be too late for such a law to take hold.
I’ve seen First Graders with their own tablets to stare at.
One compromise may be Flip phones only for the kids, to allow worried parents some communication.
Walkie-Talkie’s are still around too.
Pass a freaking bill that is set on BUILDING CHARACTER.
When cellphones are outlawed, only outlaws will have cellphones.
Already addressed in an earlier post.
Vermont State Senator John Rodgers, despite having a ‘D’ after his name, is a staunch supporter of our 2nd Amendment, and VT Constitution Article 16, rights.
He’s pointing out the hypocrisy of our mainly out-of-state reps and their constant assault on our natural rights.
“I have no delusions that it’s going to pass. I wouldn’t probably vote for it myself,” he said. Rodgers told the Times Argus. He said he introduced the bill to make a point. ...
Grow Up...
Is there no limit on the number of bills each member may introduce?
Or did this guy just waste the opportunity to do something much more meaningful?
On the other hand, a wasted bill going nowhere is probably better than some sincere effort to pass more Feel Good redundancy!
+100
Good post, DoughtyOne.
Too many kids who are too young have cell phones. That is probably the biggest problem.
old people spend their days sitting in smoke playing mind numbing slot games when the should be getting some exercize.........ban that..
There’s no limit - some prog twit last year introduced over a hundred.
“Pass a freaking bill that is set on BUILDING CHARACTER.”
My thoughts exactly. Banning cell phones? Lame. Please ban divorce, contraception, abortion, non-traditional marriage, pornography, drugs, property taxes, and all vices against the Ten Commandments. You know, just like America did in the 1800’s.
I agree. I today’s life, parents and kids are seemingly minutes from catastrophe. If something happens on campus, parents want to be able to contact their kids, and the kids need to hear from them too.
This is a tough dilemma.
Take care. Thanks for the notes.
Ah well then, no need to focus on relevancy, sanity, or genuine need.
Here in Nevada we have a limit on the number of bills they may introduce.
Does tend to somewhat limit the absurdities.
We also have short bi-annual sessions to further reduce the damage.
VT should pass as many liberty limiting laws as possible. That bunch of Birkenstock wearing ass wipes deserves all the tyranny that comes their way.
That would make sense, but we’re too far gone at this point. The flatlander progressives from other states have a super majority, and native Vermonters have lost. Best we can do is move out.
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