Texas House gives initial approval to statewide texting while driving ban
AUSTIN — The House tentatively passed a bill that would ban texting while driving in Texas after a lengthy and animated debate Wednesday.
This is the fourth time former House Speaker Tom Craddick, R-Midland, has tried to pass legislation that would make it illegal to text and drive statewide. House Speaker Joe Straus congratulated Craddick, calling it a "common-sense ban" in a tweet.
The House voted 113-32 to pass the legislation, with final approval expected Thursday. Despite the victory, there was much debate over the bill.
"How in God's name would an officer know you are texting?" said Harold Dutton Jr., D-Houston. "I think this bill falls short of where this Legislature can get to in terms of texting while driving."
Read more: http://www.dallasnews.com/news/texas-legislature/2017/03/15/texas-house-gives-initial-approval-statewide-texting-driving-ban
