MADISON - Wisconsin could become the 20th state to outlaw texting while driving for all motorists under a bill the Legislature approved Tuesday.

Gov. Jim Doyle has said he will sign the legislation that passed the Senate in October and cleared the Assembly on a bipartisan 89-6 vote Tuesday. Because the Assembly bill varies slightly from the Senate version, another vote will be required before it heads to Doyle for his consideration.

The biggest difference is in penalties. Both bills carry a fine of up to $400 for a first offense. But the Assembly version would increase that fine to up to $800 for a second offense, while the Senate version would not.

The vast majority of those who will be ticketed are teenagers who can't afford $800 tickets, said Rep. Mike Huebsch, R-West Salem.

"Let's make sure the penalty is not onerous," Huebsch said.

He argued for lowering the penalties to no more than $400, but the bill's sponsor successfully argued for keeping the higher penalties. Rep. Peter Barca, D-Kenosha, said texting while driving is more dangerous than other offenses that would be fall under an inattentive driving ban that has lower fees.

"This is as serious as drunk driving," Barca said. "People are killed by people texting messages."

Nearly 6,000 people were killed and a half-million were injured in vehicle crashes in 2008 connected to driver distraction, including texting, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.