The House Transportation Committee with a vote of 7 to 6 rejected on Wednesday a bill that would ban adults from using cell phones while driving unless they use hands-free devices.
Shelley Forney, a mother from Fort Collins, gave emotional testimony in favor of the bill.
Forney recounted for the committee how her 9-year-old daughter was killed in 2008 by a driver using a cell phone.
“When the investigator spoke with her, we found out the reason that all of this happened was because she was finishing a phone call and had no idea that her vehicle had drifted over into that bike lane right where my daughter was," Forney said.
Some lawmakers questioned the enforcement and effectiveness of the bill and said it needed further study.
Among those who ban the use of hand-held cellphones while driving are 12 states and the District of Columbia.
Colorado and 40 other states currently prohibit drivers from texting while operating a vehicle.
