Ban Walking and Talking?

State Rep Kenneth Duncan (D-Chicago) introduced a bill that would make using a cellphone while crossing the street illegal.

House bill 4520 proposes an amendment to the Illinois Vehicle Code, adding in

Sec. 11-1011.5. Pedestrian use of wireless telephone.

(a) A pedestrian shall not use a wireless telephone while crossing a roadway.

(b) As used in this Section, "wireless telephone" means a device that is capable of transmitting or receiving telephonic communications without a wire connecting the device to the telephone network.

(c) A violation of this Section is a petty offense for which a fine not to exceed $25 may be imposed.

The bill is still in committee, so it's far from a done deal.

In other news, only 51.5 percent of CPS high school students graduate. [WBBM]