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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to the creation of an offense for certain uses of a |
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wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Section 545.425(a), Transportation Code, is |
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amended by adding Subdivision (1-a) to read as follows: |
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(1-a) "Text-based communication" means a |
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communication sent from a wireless communication device for the |
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purpose of manually communicating with another person in a written |
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medium. The term includes: |
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(A) a text message; |
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(B) an instant message; and |
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(C) electronic mail. |
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SECTION 2. Section 545.425, Transportation Code, is amended |
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by adding Subsection (c-1) to read as follows: |
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(c-1) An operator may not use a wireless communication |
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device to read, write, or send a text-based communication while |
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operating a motor vehicle unless the vehicle is stopped. |
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SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2011. |