SC H3137

Increases fines for texting while driving: $50 if no injury or damage occurs, $250 if property damage or bodily injury results, and $1,000 if great bodily injury or death results (up from previous maximum of $25-$50)

Defines "great bodily injury" as injury creating substantial risk of death, serious permanent disfigurement, or protracted loss/impairment of a bodily member or organ

Removes provision limiting fines to $50 maximum for multiple violations in a single incident

Maintains existing protections: violations remain non-criminal offenses, cannot result in custodial arrest (except for failure to appear/pay), and are not reported to DMV records or insurance companies

Preserves exemptions for hands-free devices, parked/stopped vehicles, emergency calls, GPS navigation, digital dispatch systems, and public safety officials on duty