TITLE: Relating to the use of a portable wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle; increasing a criminal penalty.

SUMMARY: Relating to the use of a portable wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle; increasing a criminal penalty.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to the use of a portable wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle; increasing a criminal penalty. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 545.4251(e), Transportation Code, is amended to read as follows: (e) An offense under this section is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of at least $100 [$25] and not more than $200 [$99] unless it is shown on the trial of the offense that the defendant has been previously convicted at least one time of an offense under this section, in which event the offense is punishable by a fine of at least $200 [$100] and not more than $300 [$200].SECTION 2. The change in law made by this Act applies only to an offense committed on or after the effective date of this Act. An offense committed before the effective date of this Act is governed by the law in effect on the date the offense was committed, and the former law is continued in effect for that purpose. For purposes of this section, an offense was committed before the effective date of this Act if any element of the offense occurred before that date. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.