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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to the creation of an offense for certain prohibited uses |
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of a wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Section 545.425, Transportation Code, is amended |
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to read as follows: |
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Sec. 545.425. USE OF WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICE [BY
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CERTAIN MOTORISTS]. (a) An operator [A person] may not use a |
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wireless communication device while operating a passenger bus with |
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a minor passenger on the bus except in case of emergency or if the |
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passenger bus is stopped [not in motion]. |
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(b) An operator may not use a wireless communication device |
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to read, write, or send a text message while operating a motor |
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vehicle unless the vehicle is stopped. This subsection does not |
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apply if: |
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(1) the operator is a peace officer or an emergency |
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response provider; and |
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(2) the use of the wireless communication device is in |
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connection with official duties. |
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(c) An offense under Subsection (b) is punishable by a fine |
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of not less than $2 or more than $400 if the person who commits the |
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offense is at the time of the offense operating a motor vehicle in a |
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school crossing zone. |
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SECTION 2. The change in law made by this Act applies only |
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to an offense committed on or after the effective date of this Act. |
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An offense committed before the effective date of this Act is |
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governed by the law in effect when the offense was committed, and |
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the former law is continued in effect for that purpose. For |
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purposes of this section, an offense was committed before the |
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effective date of this Act if any element of the offense was |
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committed before that date. |
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SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2013 |
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