By: Pickett, et al. H.B. No. 1899

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the posting of signs in school crossing zones regarding the prohibited use of a wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Section 545.425, Transportation Code, is amended by amending Subsections (b-1) and (f) and adding Subsection (b-2) to read as follows:

(b-1) Except as provided by Subsection (b-2), a [A] municipality, county, or other political subdivision that enforces 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.

(b-2) A municipality, county, or other political subdivision that by ordinance or rule prohibits the use of a wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle throughout the jurisdiction of the political subdivision is not required to post a sign as required by Subsection (b-1).

(f) Except as provided by Subsection (b-2), this [This] section preempts all local ordinances, rules, or regulations that are inconsistent with specific provisions of this section adopted by a political subdivision of this state relating to the use of a wireless communication device by the operator of a motor vehicle.

SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2011.