HB 242, passed by the 82nd Legislature, would have prohibited sending or reading text messages while driving. However, Gov. Perry vetoed HB 242 on June 17, 2011.
That means the only State-wide prohibition on the use of a cell phone while driving remains the prohibition on the use of a cell phone in an active school zone. Various cities, including San Antonio and Austin, do have local ordinances that prohibit “texting while driving.” These ordinances are not affected by the Governor’s veto of HB 242 and remain in effect.
The Governor issued the following statement explaining his veto of HB 242:
Texting while driving is reckless and irresponsible. I support measures that make our roads safer for everyone, but House Bill 242 is a government effort to micromanage the behavior of adults. Current law already prohibits drivers under the age of 18 from texting or using a cell phone while driving. I believe there is a distinction between the overreach of House Bill 242 and the government’s legitimate role in establishing laws for teenage drivers who are more easily distracted and laws providing further protection to children in school zones.
The keys to dissuading drivers of all ages from texting while driving are information and education. I recommend additional education on this issue in driving safety and driver’s education courses, public service ads, and announcements, and I encourage individuals and organizations that testified in favor of the anti-texting language included in this bill to work with state and local leaders to educate the public of these dangers.
The sponsors of the “no texting while driving bill,” Rep. Tom Craddick and Sen. Judith Zaffirini, worked closely with the West Gulf Division’s Legislative team to ensure that HB 242 would not have adversely affected mobile Amateur Radio operators. The West Gulf Division thanks both Rep. Craddick and Sen. Zaffirini for their support.
John Robert Stratton
N5AUS
West Gulf Division Vice Director
West Gulf Division Legislative Action Chairman
