COLUMBUS, Ohio - If you're going to be late to work, texting your boss might not be an option for much longer.

The House Public Safety Committee approved legislation Tuesday that would ban text messaging while driving throughout Ohio. The measure will now go before the full House, which is expected to vote on the measure shortly.

According to the language in the bill, texting-while-driving would become a primary offense, which means a motorist could be pulled over for that violation alone. The bill, known for now as House Bill 415, would set a maximum penalty of a $150 fine for a first offense.

There are other bills still pending that relate to texting-while-driving, but those must still receive committee approval in the legislature.