A bill that targets distracted driving is off the table in California.

AB1511 would make it illegal for a driver to engage in any activity unrelated to operating the vehicle if that activity interferes with safe driving. Drivers would be subject to the bill if they were cited for a traffic law violation while engaging in the distracting activity.

The bill, sponsored by Assemblyman John Benoit, R-Bermuda Dunes, was first introduced early in 2003. It failed in committee in April, but was resurrected Jan. 5, 2004. It passed the Assembly Committee on Transportation Jan. 13 and was headed to the Assembly Committee on Appropriations.

However, the bill did not pass out of its house of origin by the state’s constitutionally mandated deadline, so it has been killed, a spokeswoman at the General Assembly said.