HB239 Alabama 2019 Session

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

Relating to motor vehicles; to amend Section 32-5A-350 of the Code of Alabama 1975, to prohibit the use of a wireless telecommunications device or other stand-alone electronic device while operating a motor vehicle on a public road, street, or highway; to provide exceptions; to provide penalties; 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.