ST. PAUL (AP) -- The Minnesota House has approved a bill that would require motorists to use hands-free devices when talking on the phone. Sponsors say the measure will cut down on the rising level of distracted driving and save lives.

The House passed the bill 106-21 with bipartisan support Monday night. A similar bill is working its way through the Senate with an exemption for GPS navigation systems.

The bill's chief House sponsor, Rep. Frank Hornstein, says he's confident the differences will get worked out in conference committee. He notes that Gov. Tim Walz has indicated that will sign the bill.

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Assuming the bill becomes law, Minnesota would become of 18 states plus the District of Columbia that require drivers to use hands-free devices while phoning.

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