Tie votes prompt lawmaker to switch his position on texting ban Friday

BISMARCK — Debate over a proposed North Dakota ban on texting while driving created a deadlock Friday among state lawmakers. Twice, the House Transportation Committee came back with a 7-7 vote. On the third vote, lawmakers broke the impasse with an 8-6 recommendation to not pass the bill. Rep. Mark Owens, R-Grand Forks, switched his position to move the bill out of committee with a recommendation, but said he would support the texting ban during the floor vote.

By: By Teri Finneman, Forum Communications Co., The Jamestown Sun