June 20, 2013
A watered-down ban on texting while driving has passed the Texas House.
The bill, which passed on a 124-16 vote Thursday, would make it
illegal to text while driving but makes it clear motorists could
still read text and email messages on their cellphones.
Supporters said texting is a dangerous and often deadly
distraction for drivers.
Critics said the bill was too invasive and would allow police to harass motorists.
After an amendment to the legislation removed the prohibition on reading electronic messages on cellphones by drivers, the measure easily passed.
It faces a final procedural hurdle and is expected to move to the Senate.
