SB196 Alabama 2010 Session

Currently, there is no specific prohibition against operating a motor vehicle while electronic text messaging

This bill would prohibit a person from operating a motor vehicle while text messaging or operating a handheld global positioning system (GPS); would provide penalties; and would provide exceptions

Amendment 621 of the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, now appearing as Section 111.05 of the Official Recompilation of the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, as amended, prohibits a general law whose purpose or effect would be to require a new or increased expenditure of local funds from becoming effective with regard to a local governmental entity without enactment by a 2/3 vote unless: it comes within one of a number of specified exceptions; it is approved by the affected entity; or the Legislature appropriates funds, or provides a local source of revenue, to the entity for the purpose

The purpose or effect of this bill would be to require a new or increased expenditure of local funds within the meaning of the amendment. However, the bill does not require approval of a local governmental entity or enactment by a 2/3 vote to become effective because it comes within one of the specified exceptions contained in the amendment

Relating to the operation of motor vehicles; to prohibit any person from operating a motor vehicle on a public street, road, or highway while also text messaging on a handheld cell phone or other handheld wireless telecommunication device or while manually operating a handheld global positioning system (GPS) device or similar navigation device; to provide penalties; to provide exceptions; and in connection therewith would have as its purpose or effect the requirement of a new or increased expenditure of local funds within the meaning of Amendment 621 of the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, now appearing as Section 111.05 of the Official Recompilation of the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, as amended.