6/27/05-A bill that would have required drivers in the state to keep their hands off the phone has died.
HB237, sponsored by Rep. Jose Menendez, D-San Antonio, remained in the House State Affairs Committee at the deadline for bills to pass from the chamber, effectively killing it for the year.
It called for banning hand-held cell phone use while driving. Talking on a phone equipped with a “hands-free” device would still have been permitted.
A driver stopped for using a hand-held phone could have been fined up to $100, or up to $200 if the offense occurred within a school zone.
The bill exempted emergency calls.

3/1/05-The House State Affairs Committee is reviewing a bill that would require drivers in the state to keep their hands off the phone.
Sponsored by Rep. Jose Menendez, D-San Antonio, HB237 would ban hand-held cell phone use while driving. Talking on a phone equipped with a “hands-free” device would still be permitted.
A driver stopped for using a hand-held phone could be fined up to $100, or up to $200 if the offense occurs within a school zone.
The bill would exempt emergency calls.
For bill status, call (512) 463-2182. In Texas, call 1-877-824-7038.

12/22/04-A measure filed in the House would require drivers in the state to keep their hands off the phone.
Sponsored by Rep. Jose Menendez, D-San Antonio, the proposal would ban hand-held cell phone use while driving. Talking on a phone equipped with a “hands-free” device would still be permitted.
Under HB237, a driver stopped for using a hand-held phone could be fined up to $100, or up to $200 if the offense occurs within a school zone.
Menendez’s bill would exempt emergency calls.
For bill status, call (512) 463-2182. In Texas, call 1-877-824-7038.