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House Bill 62 |
House Author: Craddick et al. |
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Effective: 9-1-17 |
Senate Sponsor: Zaffirini |
House Bill 62, the Alex Brown Memorial Act, amends the Transportation Code to create a misdemeanor offense for the operator of a motor vehicle who uses a portable wireless communication device to read, write, or send an electronic message while operating the vehicle, unless the vehicle is stopped. The bill provides a penalty enhancement if the offense causes another person's death or serious bodily injury and establishes affirmative defenses to prosecution for the offense. The bill limits the authority of a peace officer to take possession of or inspect a wireless communication device on grounds of a suspected violation, establishes certain signage requirements, and revises the penalty for the operation of a motor vehicle by a person under 18 years of age while using a wireless communication device.