6/27/05-A bill that sought to make it illegal for teenage drivers to use cell phones for the first six months that they have a license has died.
SB120, sponsored by Sen. Kel Seliger, R-Amarillo, remain in the Senate Transportation and Homeland Security Committee at the deadline for bills to pass from the chamber, effectively killing it for the year.
The bill would have added the cell-phone restriction to the graduated driver’s license program, which went into effect in 2002. The program is intended to ensure young drivers have some experience before they’re on the road alone by requiring them to have a permit for six months before they get their license. It also restricts them from driving between midnight and 5 a.m. or having more than one passenger younger than 21 for six months after they obtain their license.
The bill exempted emergency calls.

4/26/05-A bill in the Senate Transportation and Homeland Security Committee would make it illegal for teenage drivers to use cell phones for the first six months that they have a license.
SB120, sponsored by Sen. Kel Seliger, R-Amarillo, would add the cell-phone restriction to the graduated driver’s license program, which went into effect in 2002. The program is intended to ensure young drivers have some experience before they’re on the road alone by requiring them to have a permit for six months before they get their license. It also restricts them from driving between midnight and 5 a.m. or having more than one passenger younger than 21 for six months after they obtain their license.
The bill would exempt emergency calls.
For bill status, call (512) 463-2182. In Texas, call 1-877-824-7038.

1/14/05-Sen. Kel Seliger, R-Amarillo, has introduced legislation that would make it illegal for teenage drivers in Texas to use cell phones for the first six months that they have a license.
If the bill becomes law, the cell-phone restriction would be added to the graduated driver’s license program, which went into effect in 2002. The program is intended to ensure young drivers have some experience before they’re on the road alone by requiring them to have a permit for six months before they get their license. It also restricts them from driving between midnight and 5 a.m. or having more than one passenger younger than 21 for six months after they obtain their license.
The bill – SB120 – would exempt emergency calls.
It is awaiting assignment to a committee.
For bill status, call (512) 463-2182. In Texas, call 1-877-824-7038.