Mo. Senate approves ban on texting while driving, autism coverage

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Drivers of all ages would be barred from texting while driving under a bill approved by the Missouri Senate.

It's already illegal in Missouri for drivers 21 and younger to read, write or send text messages while operating a vehicle.

Legislation broadening the ban to cover drivers of all ages cleared the Senate on Thursday. The 34-0 vote sends the measure to the House.

The bill also allows Missouri to issue just one license plate per motor vehicle, with some exceptions.

Senators also voted Thursday to require some health insurance plans to cover treatment for autism.

The legislation, approved by a 26-6 vote, would require group insurance policies regulated by the state to provide up to $55,000 annually for behavioral treatment until age 21. The "applied behavioral analysis" is a costly therapy some parents say produces dramatic improvements in their autistic children.

Similar legislation was approved by the House in February. The two chambers must agree on the same version before the legislation goes to Gov. Jay Nixon.