INDIANAPOLIS -State Senator Tim Lanane (D-Anderson) recently announced the results of his 2010 Legislative Survey. In December 2009 questionnaires were mailed to households throughout Senate District 25 and made available on his website. Lanane sought input from his constituents on a variety of issues that were anticipated to come before the 2010 General Assembly, including Lanane's top legislative priorities.

One of Lanane's major legislative initiatives for the 2010 session is the prohibition of texting while driving for all Indiana drivers. Indiana law currently prohibits drivers under the age of 18 from using any type of mobile communications device while driving except to make 911 emergency calls. Sen. Lanane wants to further improve the safety of Hoosier roads by expanding the law to prohibit text messaging by all drivers. Eighty-nine percent of respondents said they support the measure. The issue will now come before the Senate under House Bill 1279, which was approved by the Indiana House of Representatives. The bill would make texting while driving a Class C infraction, with exceptions for hands-free or voice-operated devices. Lanane proposed a similar bill in the Senate and will sponsor HB 1279.

When asked whether they support or oppose the retail sale of alcohol on Sundays, 66 percent of respondents indicated that they oppose the measure and 34 percent indicated that they support it. When asked if they support or oppose expanding the retail sale of cold beer to convenience and grocery stores, 68 percent said they oppose the measure, while 32 percent said they support it. The retail sale of alcohol on Sundays and cold beer sales do not appear to have enough support to move through the legislature this year.

Several Indiana cities and counties have adopted local smoking bans, and a statewide smoking ban is being considered this year by the Indiana General Assembly. A majority of respondents to Lanane's survey, 63 percent, voiced their support for a statewide smoking ban in public places. A statewide smoking ban was approved in the House of Representatives, but it is not expected to receive a hearing by the Republican-controlled Senate. Lanane says he is disappointed that the issue won't be addressed again this year.

For the complete survey results and more information on Senator Lanane please visit www.senatedemocrats.IN.gov.

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