HB 293 Prohibits use of hand-held electronic wireless communications devices by persons transporting passengers in motor vehicles for compensation

Current Bill Summary

- Prepared by Senate Research -


HCS/HB 293 - This act shall be known as the "Fair Fare Passenger Safety Act of 2017".

This act prohibits individuals from using hand-held electronic wireless communication device to read, send, or write text or electronic messages, and from talking on the phone, while transporting passengers in a motor vehicle for compensation. This prohibition does not apply to authorized emergency vehicles, nor to use of a hand-held electronic device to report illegal activity, summon medical or other emergency help, prevent injury to a person or property, or to relay information between a transit or for-hire operator and a dispatcher when the device is permanently attached to the vehicle.

Violation of this section shall be an infraction, and a moving violation for purposes of driver's license point assessment. Cities and counties may adopt ordinances equivalent to, but not more restrictive than, this section.

This act does not apply to: parked or stopped vehicles; law enforcement officers, fire department members, or ambulance drivers in the performance of their official duties; global positioning systems or digital dispatch systems; use of voice-operated or hands-free devices; and two-way radio transmitters or receivers by a licensee of the Federal Communications Commission in the Amateur Radio Service.

This act is similar to HB 2126 (2016), HB 702 (2015), and HB 1565 (2014).

ERIC VANDER WEERD


Go to Main Bill Page  |  Return to Summary List  |  Return to Senate Home Page