RICHMOND, Va. (AP) --
A House of Delegates committee has endorsed legislation cracking down on texting while driving.
Texting while driving is already punishable by a $20 fine, but it's a secondary offense.
That means police can only write a ticket if they stop the motorist for another violation.
The House Courts of Justice Committee approved a bill Friday that would increase the fine to $250 and make it a primary offense, allowing police to stop and ticket anyone they spot texting behind the wheel.
The fine for a second offense would double to $500.
The bill will be up for a vote on the House floor Tuesday.
The Senate Courts of Justice Committee will consider similar legislation Monday.
