SB1 Alabama 2019 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Jim McClendon Senator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2019

Title

Cell phones and other wireless telecommunication devices, use while holding or touching devise prohibited, penalties, exceptions, Sec. 32-5A-350 am'd.

Description

Under existing law, it is unlawful to write, send, or read a text-based communication using a wireless telecommunications device while operating a motor vehicle on a public road, street, or highway, subject to certain penalties.

This bill would prohibit the use of a wireless telecommunications device or other stand-alone electronic device while operating a motor vehicle and holding the device and would provide penalties.

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.

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Subjects

Cellular Telephones