HB 1503 Summary

• Prohibits operating a motor vehicle on any public street or highway while using a cellular telephone or electronic communication device to compose, send, or read text-based communications while the vehicle is in motion

• Exempts emergency communications with emergency response operators, hospitals, physician offices, health clinics, ambulance services, firefighting services, or law enforcement agencies

• Establishes a maximum penalty of $500 fine and court costs for violations

• Authorizes municipalities to enact ordinances with the same provisions and penalties, preventing more stringent local enforcement

• Effective date: November 1, 2013