DENVER -- The Colorado Senate has passed a watered-down bill dealing with talking and texting while driving.

The Senate voted 19-15 Tuesday to back the amended measure (House Bill 1094) and send it back to the House for consideration.

It would still bar teen drivers from any talking or texting. But only texting would be illegal for adults while driving.

The original bill required adult drivers to use handsfree devices while talking on their cell phones. The Senate voted to take that out.

Sponsor Claire Levy D-Boulder told 7NEWS she is disappointed about the change, but feels the bill is a good start.

She said she was surprised by the support the bill received. "When I first took it on, I expected alot of push back. I thought it would be very tough to carry and I was surprised by how much support I got," she said.

The House could try to stick with their stricter version but it appears unlikely the Senate would accept that.

Before the bill was changed, Gov. Bill Ritter indicated he was inclined to sign it.