By: Pickett, et al. H.B. No. 1899
Substitute the following for H.B. No. 1899:
By: Pickett C.S.H.B. No. 1899
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the posting of signs in school crossing zones regarding
the prohibited use 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
by amending Subsections (b-1) and (f) and adding Subsection (b-2)
to read as follows:
(b-1) Except as provided by Subsection (b-2), a [A]
municipality, county, or other political subdivision that enforces
this section shall post a sign that complies with the standards
described by this subsection at the entrance to each school
crossing zone in the municipality, county, or other political
subdivision. The department shall adopt standards that:
(1) allow for a sign required to be posted under this
subsection to be attached to an existing sign at a minimal cost; and
(2) require that a sign required to be posted under
this subsection inform an operator that:
(A) the use of a wireless communication device is
prohibited in the school crossing zone; and
(B) the operator is subject to a fine if the
operator uses a wireless communication device in the school
crossing zone.
(b-2) A municipality, county, or other political
subdivision that by ordinance or rule prohibits the use of a
wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle
throughout the jurisdiction of the political subdivision is not
required to post a sign as required by Subsection (b-1).
(f) Except as provided by Subsection (b-2), this [This]
section preempts all local ordinances, rules, or regulations that
are inconsistent with specific provisions of this section adopted
by a political subdivision of this state relating to the use of a
wireless communication device by the operator of a motor vehicle.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2011.