Drivers who text-message or e-mail while driving would be committing a misdemeanor under a bill that passed the Senate on Wednesday.

Sen. Lyle Hillyard, R-Logan, says his intention is to make the penalties for driving while texting comparable to driving under the influence, citing a University of Utah study that said texting while driving is twice as dangerous as drunken driving.

"Anything that you have in your hand that is taking your focus away from driving, I think you should be prepared, if you cause a serious accident, you're going to be responsible for that," Hillyard said.

Drivers who have repeat offenses and are involved in a serious accident while text messaging could face felony charges.

In Cache County, which Hillyard represents, two scientists were killed when the driver of another car clipped their vehicle while he was texting.

"I can certainly tell you, the widow that contacted me … when you go back and tell her that her husband's life was taken and [the driver] may only be charged with a misdemeanor, it is very, very difficult," Hillyard said.

Sen. Margaret Dayton, R-Orem, was the only senator to vote against the measure. She said she was concerned that the bill tells drivers that "if we say you can't text while driving, the implication is that everything else you do is OK."

The measure now goes to the House.