5/11/07-A bill has died that would have prohibited 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 have been permitted.
Sponsored by Rep. Jose Menendez, D-San Antonio, HB201 remained in the House Transportation Committee at the deadline to advance from their originating chamber, effectively killing it for the year. A related effort - SB154 - met a similar fate in the Senate.
The bill would have made 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 have permitted drivers from text messaging, using a Blackberry, and using laptop computers.
Violators would have faced up to $100 fines. If the offense occurred within a school crossing zone, the fine would have been as much as $200. Emergency calls would have been exempted.
2/16/07-A bill in the Senate Transportation and Homeland Security Committee would restrict the use of cell phones by drivers in the state.
Sponsored by Sen. Jeff Wentworth, R-San Antonio, SB154 would ban hand-held cell phone use while driving. Violators would face $500 fines.
Talking on a phone equipped with a "hands-free" device would still be permitted.
If approved, the new law would take effect Jan. 1, 2008.
For bill status, call (512) 463-2182. In Texas, call 1-877-824-7038.
1/18/07-Sen. Jeff Wentworth, R-San Antonio, has filed a bill that would restrict the use of cell phones by drivers in the state.
SB154 would ban hand-held cell phone use while driving. Talking on a phone equipped with a "hands-free" device would still be permitted.
If approved, the new law would take effect Jan. 1, 2008.
The bill is awaiting assignment to committee.
For bill status, call (512) 463-2182. In Texas, call 1-877-824-7038.
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