Bill Text: TX HB1357 | 2025-2026 | 89th Legislature | Introduced

---

Bill Title: Relating to the use of a portable wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle; increasing a criminal penalty.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)

Status: (Introduced) 2024-11-15 - Filed [HB1357 Detail]

Download: Texas-2025-HB1357-Introduced.html

---

89R5063 SRA-D
By: Cunningham H.B. No. 1357

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the use of a portable wireless communication device
while operating a motor vehicle; increasing a criminal penalty.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 545.4251(e), Transportation Code, is
amended to read as follows:
(e) An offense under this section is a misdemeanor
punishable by a fine of at least $100 [$25] and not more than $200
[$99] unless it is shown on the trial of the offense that the
defendant has been previously convicted at least one time of an
offense under this section, in which event the offense is
punishable by a fine of at least $200 [$100] and not more than $300
[$200].
SECTION 2. The change in law made by this Act applies only
to an offense committed on or after the effective date of this Act.
An offense committed before the effective date of this Act is
governed by the law in effect on the date the offense was committed,
and the former law is continued in effect for that purpose. For
purposes of this section, an offense was committed before the
effective date of this Act if any element of the offense occurred
before that date.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.