Amend HB 242 by adding the following appropriately numbered SECTIONS to the bill and renumbering subsequent SECTIONS of the bill accordingly:
SECTION __. Section 545.425(a), Transportation Code, is amended by adding Subdivision (1-a) to read as follows:
(1-a) "Text-based communication" means a communication that is designed or intended to be transmitted between wireless communication devices for the purpose of manually communicating in a nonspoken manner with another person in a written medium. The term includes:
(A) a text message;
(B) an instant message; and
(C) e-mail.
SECTION __. Section 545.425, Transportation Code, is amended by amending Subsection (b-1) and adding Subsections (c-1) and (c-2) to read as follows:
(b-1) A municipality, county, or other political subdivision that enforces Subsection (b) [this section] shall post a sign that complies with the standards described by this subsection at the entrance to each school crossing zone in the municipality, county, or other political subdivision. The department shall adopt standards that:
(1) allow for a sign required to be posted under this subsection to be attached to an existing sign at a minimal cost; and
(2) require that a sign required to be posted under this subsection inform an operator that:
(A) the use of a wireless communication device is prohibited in the school crossing zone; and
(B) the operator is subject to a fine if the operator uses a wireless communication device in the school crossing zone.
(c-1) An operator may not use a hand-held wireless communication device to read, write, or send a text-based communication while operating a motor vehicle unless the vehicle is stopped.
(c-2) An operator is not subject to prosecution under Subsection (c-1) if:
(1) the operator uses a hand-held wireless communication device:
(A) to read, select, or enter a telephone number or name for the purpose of making a telephone call;
(B) in conjunction with voice-operated technology or a hands-free device; or
(C) to navigate using a global positioning system; or
(2) the hand-held wireless communication device:
(A) is used by the operator to relay information between the operator and a dispatcher in the course of the operator's occupational duties; and
(B) is affixed to the vehicle.