LINCOLN, Neb. — New state legislation aims to prohibit school bus operators from using cell phones while driving, although a similar rule has already been put in place.

The new bill, introduced by Nebraska Sen. Kate Sullivan, would ban school bus drivers from using any type of interactive wireless communication device while the bus is in motion. It would not, however, apply to dispatch communication devices, such as two-way radios.

The legislation echoes a change that the Nebraska Department of Education made to its pupil transportation regulations last year. That change (included here) prohibits school bus drivers from using hand-held wireless communication devices, except for two-way devices, while operating the bus.

Even with that Department of Education regulation already in place, Sen. Sullivan said that lawmakers should still put a school bus driver cell phone ban in statute to be clear, according to The Associated Press.

Sullivan’s bill was referred to the Nebraska Legislature's transportation and telecommunications committee in January. It underwent a committee hearing on Tuesday.

Other articles related to cell phone use:

• Texting cited in teen’s fatal crash into bus

• Distracted driving: Can u c me now?