Plain English Breakdown
The plain English breakdown is still being put together. The official documents below are already here.
Straight-ahead summaries built from the official bill text. We keep the source links front and center and leave the decision up to you.
SF0020 • 2010
AN ACT relating to motor vehicles; prohibiting the use of electronic wireless communication devices for sending text or electronic mail messages while operating a motor vehicle; providing exceptions; providing definitions; providing penalties; and providing for an effective date.
This bill passed the Legislature and reached final enactment based on the latest official action.
The plain English breakdown is still being put together. The official documents below are already here.
These notes stay tied to the official amendment files and metadata from the legislature.
2nd reading • SHEPPERSON
Plain English: Failed 2nd reading by SHEPPERSON
3rd reading • QUARBERG
Plain English: Withdrawn 3rd reading by QUARBERG
Committee of the Whole • COHEE
Plain English: Adopted, Corrected Committee of the Whole by COHEE
Standing Committee • H08
Plain English: Adopted Standing Committee by H08
2nd reading • PERKINS
Plain English: Failed 2nd reading by PERKINS
2nd reading • MEIER
Plain English: Withdrawn 2nd reading by MEIER
2nd reading • MEIER
Plain English: Adopted 2nd reading by MEIER
2nd reading • MEIER
Plain English: Failed 2nd reading by MEIER
2nd reading • MEIER
Plain English: Adopted 2nd reading by MEIER
Assigned Chapter Number - 105
Governor Signed SEA0045
H Speaker Signed SEA No. 0045
S President Signed SEA No. 0045
Assigned Number SEA0045
S Did Concur
S Received for Concurrence
H Reconsidered Passed 3rd Reading
H Reconsidered
H Passed 3rd Reading
H Passed 2nd Reading
Amendment Failed
H Passed CoW
Amendment Adopted
H Amendments Adopted
Amendment Adopted
H Placed on General File
H08 Recommended Amend and Do Pass
H Introduced and Referred to H08
H Received for Introduction
S Passed 3rd Reading
S Passed 2nd Reading
Amendment Adopted
Amendment Failed
S Amendments Adopted
Amendment Adopted
S Laid Back Pursuant to SR 10-4(a)
Amendment Failed
S Passed CoW
S Placed on General File
S08 Recommended Do Pass
S Introduced and Referred to S08
S Received for Introduction
Bill Number Assigned
Bill No.: <billno> Drafter: <drafterinit> Bill No.: SF0020 Drafter: JDA LSO No.: 10LSO-0102 Effective Date: 7/1/2010 Enrolled Act No.: SEA0045 Chapter No.: Prime Sponsor: Senator Esquibel, F. Catch Title: Text-based communications prohibited while driving. Subject: Motor vehicles handheld electronic wireless communication devices. Summary/Major Elements: Prohibits the use of a handheld electronic wireless communication device to send or read a text-based communication while operating a motor vehicle on a public street or highway. Provides exceptions to the prohibition for vehicles that are lawfully parked, for contacting emergency response vehicles and for a person operating an emergency response vehicle in the performance of his official duties. Provides that entering a number or word to make or receive a telephone call or using hands free technology is not a violation of the prohibition. Provides that a violation of the section is punishable by a fine not to exceed seventy-five dollars.
WORKING DRAFT ORIGINAL SENATE FILE NO. 0020 ENROLLED ACT NO. 45, SENATE SIXTIETH LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WYOMING 2010 BUDGET SESSION AN ACT relating to motor vehicles; prohibiting the use of handheld electronic wireless communication devices for sending text or electronic mail messages while operating a motor vehicle; providing exceptions; providing definitions; providing penalties; and providing for an effective date. Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Wyoming : Section 1 . W.S. 31 ‑ 5 ‑ 237 is created to read: 31 ‑ 5 ‑ 237. Use of handheld electronic wireless communication devices for electronic messaging prohibited; exceptions; penalties. (a) No person shall operate a motor vehicle on a public street or highway while using a handheld electronic wireless communication device to write, send or read a text-based communication. This section shall not apply to a person who is using a handheld electronic wireless communication device: (i) While the vehicle is lawfully parked; (ii) To contact an emergency response vehicle; (iii) To write, read, select or enter a telephone number or name in an electronic wireless communications device for the purpose of making or receiving a telephone call ; or (iv) When using voice operated or hands free technology. (b) This section shall not apply to a person operating an emergency response vehicle while making communications necessary to the performance of his official duties as an emergency responder. (c) Any person who operates a motor vehicle in violation of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than seventy-five dollars ($75.00) . (d) As used in this section: (i) "Electronic wireless communication device" means a mobile communication device that uses short-wave analog or digital radio transmissions or satellite transmissions between the device and a transmitter to permit wireless telephone communications to and from the user of the device within a specified area; (ii) "Emergency response vehicle" means any ambulance, fire department, law enforcement or civil defense vehicle or other vehicle used primarily for emergency purposes; (iii) "Voice operated or hands free technology" means technology that allows a user to write, send or read a text based communication without the use of either hand except to activ at e, deactivate or initiate a feature or function; (i v ) "Write, send or read a text-based communication" means using an electronic wireless communications device to manually communicate with any person using text-based communication including, but not limited to, communications referred to as a text message, instant message or electronic mail. Section 2. This act is effective July 1, 2010. (END) Speaker of the House President of the Senate Governor TIME APPROVED: _________ DATE APPROVED: _________ I hereby certify that this act originated in the Senate. Chief Clerk 1