INDIANAPOLIS-State Senator Bob Deig (D-Mount Vernon) announced today the results of his 2010 Legislative Survey. Questionnaires were mailed to households throughout Senate District 49 and made available on his website in December 2009. Deig sought input from his constituents on a variety of issues that were anticipated to come before the 2010 General Assembly.

Texting while driving is one of the major legislative issues being discussed in the 2010 session. Indiana law currently prohibits drivers under the age of 18 from using any type of mobile communications device while driving except to make 911 emergency calls. Eighty-two percent of respondents said they support the measure, while 18 percent said they oppose it.

This issue will now come before the Senate under House Bill 1279, which was approved by the Indiana House of Representatives. The bill would make texting while driving for all drivers a Class C infraction, with exceptions for hands-free or voice-operated devices.

Legislative redistricting is another major issue of this year's session. Respondents were asked whether they supported or opposed establishing an independent commission to advise the General Assembly on legislative redistricting in 2011 and in the future. Sixty percent of those that responded said they support the measure, while 40 percent said they oppose. Sen. Deig and other members of the Senate Democrats have proposed the immediate creation of a nonpartisan independent commission for legislative redistricting.

Respondents were asked whether they supported or opposed the retail sale of alcohol on Sundays. Fifty-eight percent of respondents indicated that they oppose the measure and 42 percent indicated they support it. When asked if they support or oppose expanding the retail sale of cold beer to convenience and grocery stores, 61 percent responded in opposition, while 39 percent responded in support. Although introduced, these issues are not moving through the process.

Respondents were also asked whether they supported or opposed moving all municipal elections to an even-year cycle. Seventy-four percent of those that responded said they support the move and 26 percent said they oppose the measure.

This provision is not actively moving through the General Assembly, but several election-related bills are, including one that would move all school board elections to the general election cycle beginning in 2010.

For the complete survey results and more information on Senator Deig please visit www.senatedemocrats.IN.gov.

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