[SOC] Texas legislation rumors

[Wayne Rogers]

FYI


Wayne_W5KDJ
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Subject:        FW: Texas legislation rumors 
For the past week and a half, persistent rumors have claimed that
effective September 1, 2003, Texas will begin restricting wireless phone
use while driving.  This rumor is completely false and unfounded.  In
particular, House Bill 281, introduced by Paul Moreno-El Paso, did not
pass during this legislative session.  Nor did three other bills that
would have restricted the use of wireless phones while driving.  In
essence, we shouldn't see this emerge as a statewide issue again until
the 2005 legislative session
In the meantime, here are a couple of talking points and a quick
legislative synopsis: 
There are dual responsibilities to ensure safe driving.  Sprint and the
wireless industry need to do their part to educate customers and to offer
innovative products and services to address the responsible use of
wireless phones.  Drivers also need to do their part to make good
decisions behind the wheel - no matter what else is going on around them.

Sprint has always supported the use of hands-free devices as a tool to
use when appropriate to help drive responsibly.  We offer hands-free car
kits, universal ear buds and headsets that will work with almost every
wireless phone available.  

Legislative Synopsis 
House Bill 624 - Jose Menendez, San Antonio 
Drivers must use hands free devices except when making emergency calls. 
-Sprint witness testified against bill. 
-Result: Bill was not voted out of committee. 
House Bill 281 - Paul Moreno, El Paso 
Blanket ban except when using hands-free device 
-Sprint witness testified against bill. 
-Result: Bill was not voted out of committee. 
House Bill 771 - Helen Giddings, Dallas 
Restriced cell phone use while driving for school bus drivers. 
-Sprint did not testify. 
-Was voted out of committee (passed). 
-Was on the intent calendar but was caught up in the closing days of
session. 
Senate Bill 390 - Rodney Ellis, Dallas 
Prohibit use of cell phones unless using hands-free or driver is making
an emergency call. 
-Never gained enough momentum. 
-Did not get a hearing. 

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