St. Louis County Republican Representative Joe Smith is sponsoring a bill that would require Missourians to use hands-free cell phones while driving, or none at all.

After five years of failing to get a hearing, on Tuesday Smith finally made himself heard.

Smith told the public safety committee that he has come close to being hit by other drivers who concentrate too much on their cell phones and not enough on the road.  

Last year, a text-messaging truck driver killed three people and injured fifteen after ramming his tractor trailer into 10 cars backed up on the interstate.

St. Louis County Republican Representative Joe Smith says Missourians should be able to use cell phones while driving -- as long as their hands stay on the wheel. 

Last year, a text-messaging truck driver killed three people and injured fifteen after ramming his tractor trailer into 10 cars backed up on the interstate.

Some of Smith's colleagues question whether a hand-held cell-phone ban could be enforced.

Webb City Republican Representative Bryan Stevenson says the bill is too much government.

Except for Smith, no witnesses spoke for or against the bill on Tuesday.

From Jefferson City, I'm Brian Jarvis.