BILL ANALYSIS

S.B. 1107

By: Shapiro

Public Education

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Drivers need to be aware of the danger of participating in distracting activities while driving, such as talking on a cell phone, before the state issues a driver's license.  There are many other distractions in addition to cell phone usage that cause a person driving to be a danger to others on roadways.

S.B. 1107 requires the commissioner of education, in consultation with the Texas Department of Public Safety, to require by rule that information relating to the effect of using a wireless communication device or engaging in other actions that may distract a driver on the safe or effective operation of a motor vehicle be included in the curriculum of each driver education course or driving safety course.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the commissioner of education in SECTIONS 1 and 2 of this bill.

ANALYSIS

S.B. 1107 amends the Education Code to require the commissioner of education by rule to require that information relating to the effect of using a wireless communication device or engaging in other actions that may distract a driver on the safe or effective operation of a motor vehicle be included in the curriculum of each driver education course or driving safety course.  The bill requires the commissioner, in developing rules under these provisions, to consult with the Texas Department of Public Safety.  The bill requires the commissioner to adopt the rules required to implement this provision as soon as practicable after the effective date of this bill.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2009.