Texas

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5/11/07-A bill is dead that would have restricted the use of cell phones by drivers in the state.
Sponsored by Sen. Jeff Wentworth, R-San Antonio, SB154 remained in the House Transportation Committee at the deadline for bills to advance from their originating chamber, effectively killing it for the year. A related effort - HB201 - met a similar fate in the House.
The bill would have banned hand-held cell phone use while driving. Violators would have faced $500 fines.
Talking on a phone equipped with a "hands-free" device would still have been permitted.

3/28/07-A bill in the House Transportation Committee would prohibit drivers in the state from talking on hand-held cell phones while driving. Talking on a phone equipped with a "hands-free" accessory would still be permitted.
Sponsored by Rep. Jose Menendez, D-San Antonio, HB201 would make it a secondary offense to drive while chatting - meaning a person would have to be pulled over for another violation, such as speeding, before they could be ticketed for talking on the phone. It also would prohibit drivers from text messaging, using a Blackberry, and using laptop computers.
Violators would face up to $100 fines. If the offense occurred within a school crossing zone, the fine would be as much as $200. Emergency calls would be exempted.
For bill status, call (512) 463-2182. In Texas, call 1-877-824-7038.

1/18/07-Rep. Jose Menendez, D-San Antonio, has introduced a bill that would prohibit drivers in the state from talking on hand-held cell phones while driving. Talking on a phone equipped with a "hands-free" accessory would still be permitted.
HB201 would make it a secondary offense to drive while chatting - meaning a person would have to be pulled over for another violation, such as speeding, before they could be ticketed for talking on the phone. It also would prohibit drivers from text messaging, using a Blackberry, and using a laptop computer.
Violators would face up to $100 fines. If the offense occurred within a school crossing zone, the fine would be as much as $200. Emergency calls would be exempted.
The bill is awaiting assignment to committee.
For bill status, call (512) 463-2182. In Texas, call 1-877-824-7038.