82R2824 TRH-D
By: Lucio III H.B. No. 676
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, Transportation Code, is amended
by amending Subsections (b) and (b-1) and adding Subsection (c-1)
to read as follows:
(b) Except as provided by Subsections [Subsection] (c) and
(c-1), an operator may not use a wireless communication device
while operating a motor vehicle within a school crossing zone, as
defined by Section 541.302, [Transportation Code,] unless:
(1) the vehicle is stopped; or
(2) the wireless communication device is used with a
hands-free device.
(b-1) A municipality, county, or other political
subdivision that enforces Subsection (b) [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.
(c-1) An operator stopped for a school bus as required by
Section 545.066 may not use a wireless communication device while
the school bus is receiving or discharging a student.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2011.