Iowans rate drivers' texting as more urgent than gay marriage

Among six hot-button topics, a new Iowa Poll shows a majority of Iowans consider only a ban on text messaging while driving worth the Legislature's time during a session shortened by 20 days to cut costs. Iowans are not enthusiastic about devoting time to debates on gay marriage, puppy mills, gun control, payday loans or gambling.

The Democrats who control what comes up for a vote say budget issues will dominate the 2010 session as the recession continues to pinch state revenues. But lawmakers have introduced hundreds of bills on other topics.

Friday marks the first so-called funnel, a deadline that winnows the workload by letting some bills move forward and others die.

Of the six topics, Democrats are most likely to push ahead toward passing four:

• Banning texting while driving.
• Beefing up inspections of dog breeders.
• Standardizing the way concealed-weapons permits are issued throughout the 99 counties.
• Expanding gambling to bring in fresh state revenue.

Read the full story from The Des Moines Register.

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