Enrolled Bill Summary

House Bill 62	House Author:  Craddick et al.
Effective:  9-1-17	Senate Sponsor:  Zaffirini

            House Bill 62, the Alex Brown Memorial Act, amends the Transportation Code to create a misdemeanor offense for the operator of a motor vehicle who uses a portable wireless communication device to read, write, or send an electronic message while operating the vehicle, unless the vehicle is stopped. The bill provides a penalty enhancement if the offense causes another person's death or serious bodily injury and establishes affirmative defenses to prosecution for the offense. The bill limits the authority of a peace officer to take possession of or inspect a wireless communication device on grounds of a suspected violation, establishes certain signage requirements, and revises the penalty for the operation of a motor vehicle by a person under 18 years of age while using a wireless communication device.