BOISE -- The Idaho legislature is considering making texting while driving a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in prison or a $300 fine.

Caldwell Republican Sen. John McGee told the Senate Transportation Committee Thursday that state law needs to punish texting while driving because it is as dangerous as driving while drunk.

The committee approved the legislation unanimously and will likely hold a full discussion on the bill.

University of Utah researchers published a study last year that said texting while driving increases crash risk eight times. Virginia Tech researchers found a 23 times greater collision risk.

Police officers can currently go after texting drivers on inattentive driving charges. McGee's measure would clarify that texting while driving is inattentive driving and should be punished as such.