2007 House Bill 5396

Authorize $500 fine for texting while driving

Introduced in the House

Oct. 31, 2007

Introduced by Rep. Michael Sak (D-76)

To impose a $500 civil fine on a person who drives while using “an electronic device that has a screen and a keyboard” to send text messages (“texting”), enter data or play a game. The violation would be a “secondary” one, meaning that a driver could not be stopped just for this, but if stopped for some other violation (or is in an accident) this one could be tacked on.

Referred to the Committee on Transportation

May 20, 2008

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (H-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

Dec. 4, 2008

Substitute offered

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that revises various details, but does not change its substance. This version was superseded by a different substitute with more technical changes.

The substitute failed by voice vote

Substitute offered by Rep. Michael Sak (D-76)

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that revises details but does not change the substance of the bill as previously described.

The substitute passed by voice vote

Passed in the House 95 to 5 (details)

Received in the Senate

Dec. 10, 2008

Referred to the Committee on Transportation