Action in the Mississippi Senate has put in jeopardy a bill the limits texting by teen drivers.

Under the bill, a new driver caught texting while behind the wheel could face a misdemeanor charge and up to a $500 fine. The bill also would add six months to the minimum age for teenagers to get their driver’s licenses.

An attempt to send the bill to the governor failed by one vote on Tuesday after a proposal by Sen. Briggs Hopson of Vicksburg. Hopson wants teens with a learner’s permit to be able to drive other teenagers to school functions if they get parental consent. That’s not allowed under current law.

The bill was held for more debate.

The bill is Senate Bill 2280.