82R913 TRH-D
 
  By: Craddick H.B. No. 243
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to the creation of an offense for certain uses 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(a), Transportation Code, is
  amended by adding Subdivision (1-a) to read as follows:
               (1-a)  "Text-based communication" means a
  communication sent from a wireless communication device for the
  purpose of manually communicating with another person in a written
  medium. The term includes:
                     (A)  a text message;
                     (B)  an instant message; and
                     (C)  electronic mail.
         SECTION 2.  Section 545.425, Transportation Code, is amended
  by adding Subsection (c-1) to read as follows:
         (c-1)  An operator may not use a wireless communication
  device to read, write, or send a text-based communication while
  operating a motor vehicle unless the vehicle is stopped.
         SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2011.