CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) — A bill before the Nevada Assembly would make it illegal for pedestrians to read, browse the internet or enter data with hand-held devices while crossing highways in the state.

Democratic Las Vegas Assemblyman Harvey Munford introduced AB123 during the floor session Thursday. He says his intention is for the law to apply to all state roads, even in residential areas.

The bill makes exceptions for uses concerning medical emergencies, safety hazards and reporting criminal activity. Public employees and contractors responding to an emergency are also immune to the restrictions.

Munford says increasing frequency of incidents involving people crossing roadways while using phones motivated his bill.

First offenses would result in a written warning, with second and third offenses incurring $100 and $250 fines.

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