By: Pitts, Cook, et al. 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:
(1) in [within] a school crossing zone, as defined by
Section 541.302, Transportation Code, unless:
(A) [(1)] the vehicle is stopped; or
(B) [(2)] the wireless communication device is
used with a hands-free device; or
(2) on the property of a public elementary, middle, or
junior high school for which a local authority has designated a
school crossing zone, during the time a reduced speed limit is in
effect for the school crossing zone, unless:
(A) the vehicle is stopped; or
(B) 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.