HARRISBURG — A bill that makes texting while driving a primary offense so that police can pull over motorists for violations passed the state House overwhelmingly Monday with little debate.

The House voted 188-7 in favor of the bill, which had been changed significantly since passing the Senate in June.

The House removed a prohibition on talking on cellphones without a hands-free device. It also removed, then restored, a provision that gives police the additional power to punish texting violations without having some other reason to stop drivers.

“It will no doubt save lives on Pennsylvania roadways, and it’s a big step forward,” said Rep. Josh Shapiro, D-Montgomery, a longtime advocate for the legislation.

Because it was amended in the House, the measure has to go back to the Senate for its consideration. Senate Republican spokesman Erik Arneson said the chamber was likely to approve it and send it to Republican Gov. Tom Corbett today.

“We’re going to continue to look into the hand-held ban,” House Majority Leader Mike Turzai, R-Allegheny, told reporters later in the day Monday.

Corbett last week signed into law tougher new regulations for teen drivers, including limits on how many passengers they can carry and more stringent training requirements.