NEW ORLEANS, La. — A proposed bill in Louisiana seeks to penalize pedestrians for using cellphones while crossing the street, especially in crosswalks. The bill, introduced by Rep. Michael Bayham from Chalmette in St. Bernard Parish, aims to reduce pedestrian accidents and fatalities related to distracted walking.
The Proposed Legislation
Rep. Bayham presented House Bill 309 (HB 309) before the House Transportation Committee on March 16, suggesting that pedestrians who use or look at their smartphones while crossing the street should face a $25 civil fine. The bill initially proposed a criminal penalty but was amended to a civil fine to make it less severe.
Bayham explained that the goal is to combat the increasing number of pedestrian fatalities in Louisiana. In 2023, 147 pedestrians were killed in the state, and 1,234 others were injured, according to Bayham.
Public Reaction and Support
When asked for his opinion on the bill, George Brignon, a pedestrian in New Orleans’ Central Business District (CBD), admitted that he had recently used his phone while crossing the street, but acknowledged the potential dangers of distracted walking. “I would say that’s not a good law, but, you know, you saw that lady cross over there, she wasn’t paying attention. She almost got hit,” Brignon said. “So I think it’s for good reason, too.”
Jess Alguire, another pedestrian, agreed that awareness is key but suggested that if people are mindful of their surroundings, the law might not be necessary. “Definitely be aware of your surroundings,” Alguire said. “But if you’re aware of your surroundings, then wouldn’t it be OK?”
Opposition to the Bill
Although the $25 fine may seem minimal, the bill still faced resistance from some lawmakers. Rep. Rodney Wayne Schamerhorn (R-Hornbeck) opposed the legislation, arguing that it infringes on individual rights. “It’s an individual right to be able to look at their phone, and it’s up to them to protect their own body,” Schamerhorn said.
Rep. Ed Murray (D-New Orleans) expressed concerns about the enforcement of the law, particularly regarding the manpower needed by police departments to regulate it. “This is not something they’re going to be able to enforce,” Murray said. He also raised the possibility that the law could be misused to harass people.
Bayham’s Defense
Rep. Bayham defended the bill, emphasizing that it wasn’t about raising revenue but rather raising awareness about distracted walking. “To be brutally honest, that’s why I brought the number down to a minimal amount, $25,” Bayham said. “The idea is to just have something on the books to help raise awareness.”
Bill Deferred
After hearing from the public and discussing concerns, a lawmaker moved to defer the bill, and there were no objections to that decision. As a result, the proposed legislation has been temporarily put on hold.
