81R1607 TRH-D By: Turner of Harris H.B. No. 1267 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to a prohibition on certain uses of a wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 545.425, Transportation Code, is amended to read as follows: Sec. 545.425. USE OF WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICE [BY CERTAIN MOTORISTS]. (a) An operator [A person] may not use a wireless communication device while operating a passenger bus with a minor passenger on the bus except in case of emergency or if the passenger bus is stopped [not in motion]. (b) An operator may not use a wireless communication device to read, write, or send a text message while operating a motor vehicle unless the vehicle is stopped. SECTION 2. The change in law made by this Act applies only to an offense committed on or after the effective date of this Act. An offense committed before the effective date of this Act is governed by the law in effect when the offense was committed, and the former law is continued in effect for that purpose. For purposes of this section, an offense was committed before the effective date of this Act if any element of the offense was committed before that date. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2009.