[SOC] Texas legislation rumors

[Paul Bartlett]

IMHO operating any kind of communications device: mobile phone, ham radio or
whatever whilst you're actually driving is bad. Your attention is distracted
from the main job in hand (guiding the missile) and I believe is no better
than driving after having had too much to drink. Don't do it.

If you want to talk (as opposed to just listen), pull over and do it. Life's
too short.

My two-pennyworth.

Paul

----- Original Message -----
From: "Wayne Rogers" <w5kdj@juno.com>
To: <nars@mailman.qth.net>; <qrp-l@lehigh.EDU>; <soc@mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Friday, August 01, 2003 8:02 PM
Subject: [SOC] Texas legislation rumors


> FYI
>
>
> Wayne_W5KDJ
> ex:  SV0WWW_TF2WJN      *e-QSL*
> ARS_1392   ARCI_11325  FP-626
> FISTS_10060   SOC_538   ARRL
>
> 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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