Cell phones in Texas illegal in cars as of 9/1/03-Fiction!

Cell Phone Use in Cars is Illegal in Texas as of September 1, 2003-Fiction!

Summary of the eRumor
An alleged new law in Texas, House Bill 281, prohibits the use of a cell phone in a car unless the car is stopped or the phone is not being used in the driver's hands. It goes into effect on September 1, 2003.

The Truth
This story is not true.
House Bill 281 was one of several pieces of legislation introduced into the Texas legislature for 2003 that would have limited the use of cell phones in cars, none of which passed.
This particular bill was introduced by Representative Paul Moreno, D- El Paso and according to the Texas legislature website, was left pending in committee when the legislative session was over.

A real example of the eRumor as it has appeared on the Internet:

Subject: Texas House Bill 281 - cell phone use in cars - effective 9/1/03

FYI. New law for cell phone using in car in Texas. Please pass this e-mail to other people who live or will drive in Texas.

Texas House Bill 281 - cell phone use in cars - effective 9/1/03

Sec. 545.425. USE OF TELEPHONE; OFFENSE. (a) An operator may not use a telephone while operating a motor vehicle unless:

(1) the vehicle is stopped; or

(2) the telephone is used without use of either of the operator's hands.

(b) An offense under this section is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $25 or more than $100. SECTION 2.

This Act takes effect September 1, 2003.