LANSING, Mich. -- Senate Democratic Floor Leader Buzz Thomas, D-Detroit, introduced a bill Thursday that would make it illegal to text, play a game or enter data in your phone while driving.

The penalty for texting or playing video games while driving would be a misdemeanor and a $100 fine.

It would also be a secondary offense, which means that officers would not be able to stop someone for texting, but would only be able to ticket them if they are already pulled over.

The bill would, however, allow drivers to text in the case of an emergency or when their vehicle is stopped at a light or a stop sign.

“There is no need to be sending a text while driving your car, it’s one of the most dangerous things a driver can do,” Thomas said. “If it’s really that important, pull over and send your message, or just wait until you get to where you are going.”

According to a Harris poll, nine out of 10 American adults believe that sending text messages or e-mails while driving is distracting, dangerous and should be outlawed.

The state of Washington passed the nation's first ban on texting while driving in 2007, and at least 10 other states are considering similar legislation.

“This is the second session in which I have introduced this bill, and hopefully we can all realize the urgency and just get this passed," Thomas said.

For more information, visit the senator's Web site .