If passed, it would make the possession of a cellphone punishable by up to one year in prison, a $1,000 fine, or both.

The legislation reads, "The use of cell phones while driving is one of the leading killersof teenagers in the United States. According to the United States Department of Transportation, cell phones are involved in 1.6 million automobile crashes each year, causing half a million injuries and 6,000 deaths. Each day, 11 teenagers die in automobile crashes in this country. Young people frequently use cell phones to bully and threaten other young people, activities that have been linked to many suicides In light of the dangerous and life-threatening consequences of cellphone use by young people, it is clear that persons under 21 years of age are not developmentally mature enough to safely possess them, just as the General Assembly has concluded that persons under 21 years of age are not mature enough to possess firearms, smoke cigarettes or consume alcohol."

In an interview with the Times Argus, Rodgers said the bill was introduced to raise conversation, and he does not expect it to pass.

"I have no delusions that it's going to pass," he said. "I wouldn't probably vote for it myself."