82R913 TRH-D
By: Craddick H.B. No. 243
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the creation of an offense for 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(a), Transportation Code, is
amended by adding Subdivision (1-a) to read as follows:
(1-a) "Text-based communication" means a
communication sent from a wireless communication device for the
purpose of manually communicating with another person in a written
medium. The term includes:
(A) a text message;
(B) an instant message; and
(C) electronic mail.
SECTION 2. Section 545.425, Transportation Code, is amended
by adding Subsection (c-1) to read as follows:
(c-1) An operator may not use a wireless communication
device to read, write, or send a text-based communication while
operating a motor vehicle unless the vehicle is stopped.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2011.