83R1491 JXC-D By: Pitts H.B. No. 347 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to prohibiting using a wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle on school property. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 545.425(b), Transportation Code, is amended to read as follows: (b) Except as provided by Subsection (c), 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, or on the property of a public or private elementary or middle school unless: (1) the vehicle is stopped; or (2) the wireless communication device is used with a hands-free device. 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 on the date 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 occurred before that date. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2013.