Statewide Texting Ban Gets Historic Passage Out of Texas Senate

AUSTIN -- After fending off a last-minute attempt supporters said would essentially kill the bill, the Senate passed a bill that would ban texting while driving across the state."I've waited 10 years to make this motion," Sen. Judith Zaffarini, D-Laredo, said as the bill passed. Zaffirini has tried to pass such legislation the past five sessions and sponsored former House Speaker Tom Craddick's bill that passed today.The bill would ban drivers from texting while a vehicle is moving, making it a misdemeanor offense, punishable by a fine ranging from $25 to $99 with penalties up to $200 for repeat offenders.It would also stop police from arresting a driver solely for texting, allows drivers to use their phones for GPS and would not allow violators to be fined both under state law as well as local ordinance.  Continue reading...