HB0211 • 2020

Electronic communications prohibited while driving.

AN ACT relating to motor vehicles; prohibiting the use of handheld electronic wireless communication devices while operating a motor vehicle; amending exceptions; repealing provisions; and providing for an effective date.

Technology

Did Not Pass

The latest official action shows that this bill did not move forward in that session.

Sponsor: Representative Blackburn
Last action: 2020-02-14
Official status: inactive
Effective date: 3/1/2020

Plain English Breakdown

The bill summary and text do not provide specific details about the removal of existing exceptions, only amendments to the law.

No Handheld Devices While Driving

The bill aims to prohibit the use of handheld electronic devices for certain communications while driving in Wyoming.

What This Bill Does

Makes it illegal to operate a motor vehicle on public streets or highways while using a handheld electronic wireless communication device for writing, sending, or reading text-based communications.
Allows using a handheld device to contact emergency services.

Who It Names or Affects

Drivers in Wyoming who use handheld electronic devices while driving.

Terms To Know

Handheld Electronic Wireless Communication Device: A device like a smartphone that can be held and used to send or receive text messages, emails, or make phone calls.
Voice Operated or Hands Free Technology: Technology in devices that allows users to operate the device without using their hands, such as voice commands for making a call.

Limits and Unknowns

The bill did not pass and was not enacted into law.
It would have taken effect on July 1, 2020, if passed.

Bill History

2020-02-14 House
H Failed Introduction 21-36-3-0-0
2020-02-12 House
H Received for Introduction
2020-02-11 LSO
Bill Number Assigned

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text

20LSO-0396
2020
STATE OF WYOMING
20LSO-0396
Numbered
2.0

HOUSE BILL NO. HB0211

Electronic communications prohibited while driving.

Sponsored by: Representative(s) Blackburn, Pownall and Washut

A BILL

for

AN ACT relating to motor vehicles; prohibiting the use of handheld electronic wireless communication devices while operating a motor vehicle; amending exceptions; repealing provisions; and providing for an effective date.

Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Wyoming:

Section 1
.

W.S. 31
‑
5
‑
237(a)(intro), (ii) and (d)(iii) is amended 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
an
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
an
electronic wireless communication device:

(ii)

To contact an emergency response vehicle;
or

(d)

As used in this section:

(iii)

"Voice operated or hands free technology" means technology that allows a user to write, send or read a text based communication
initiate or answer a phone call
without the use of either hand except to activate, deactivate or initiate a feature or function;

Section 2
.

W.S. 31
‑
5
‑
237(a)(iii) and (d)(iv) is repealed.

Section 3.

This act is effective July 1, 2020
.

(END)

1
HB0211