ATLANTA, Ga. -- Stunning lawmakers and observers alike, Gov. Sonny Perdue signed into law two bills aimed at reducing cell-phone use while driving.
The Georgia General Assembly passed the two bills earlier this year.
In the Friday afternoon signing ceremony, Perdue had, at first, only one bill on the table before him, HB23, which would outlaw texting and all other cell phone use by all drivers under the age of 18. He signed it into law. It goes into effect July 1.
Perdue's office and others at the State Capitol had, earlier, indicated that he would sign that bill. without signing the second bill.
However, immediately after signing HB23, he surprised everyone and pulled out the second bill, SB360, and signed that into law, as well. It forbids all drivers of any age from texting while driving in Georgia. It takes effect July 1.
SB 360 is named after 18-year-old Caleb Sorohan, who died in a Morgan County wreck while texting and driving last December. Caleb's family and friends had lobbied at the State Capitol for both bills.
Perdue said he was concerned with how police would be able to enforce SB360, but signed it anyway, saying it was worth it, "if it would save even one life."
The governor added that he had been assured that the Legislature would address the question of enforcement of the new law in next year's General Assembly session.