Bill in state legislature would increase fines for texting motorists in school zones

A proposed bill would double the fine for motorists caught using a cellphone in a school, playground or crosswalk speed zone to up to $234 per infraction, or up to $468 for repeat offenders.

Washington’s first law to address texting-while-driving went into effect two years ago, which also prohibited eating and applying makeup.

“One of the primary crosswalks I sit at is Mill Creek Elementary,” said Christine White, a patrol officer with the Mill Creek Police Department.

“I have seen people on their cell phones talking, texting, reading, doing other things besides actually paying attention to wh...