Nation & World | Texting while legislating? iPads OK'd for House floor | Seattle Times Newspaper

Sign of the times

Tucked into new rules proposed by the incoming House Republican majority is one that could fling the chamber — for good or ill — into the 21st century: Members may use an electronic device on the House floor as long as it doesn't "impair decorum."

The new rule would relax the complete ban on the use of gadgets such as the iPad, iPhone or BlackBerry on the House floor. Mobile phones, tablet computers and the burgeoning universe of applications that run on them will be officially available to House members as they conduct business.

Nation & World | Texting while legislating? iPads OK'd for House floor | Seattle Times Newspaper