bill raises fines for handheld phone use while driving

The text as introduced · 231 words

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.