SRC-AMY H.B. 771 78(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 771
78R11240 JRJ-DBy: Giddings (Deuell)
Education
5/22/2003
Engrossed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Under current law, drivers are not prohibited from using telephones while
operating a school bus. Using a cell phone while driving a school bus
could possibly endanger the lives of school children and other motorists
on the road.  H.B.771 prohibits a bus driver from using a telephone while
operating a bus except in certain emergency circumstances. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to
a state officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Subchapter I, Chapter 545, Transportation Code, by
adding Section 545.425, as follows: 

Sec. 545.425.  USE OF TELEPHONE WHILE OPERATING SCHOOL BUS.  (a) Prohibits
an operator of a school bus from using a telephone while operating the
school bus. 

(b) Provides that it is an affirmative defense to prosecution of an
offense under this section that the telephone was used to make an
emergency call to or receive a call from locations or persons. 

SECTION 2.  Effective date:  September 1, 2003.