CS/HB 1241: Hands-free Driving
GENERAL BILL by Government Operations Subcommittee ; Blanco ; Rizo ; (CO-INTRODUCERS) Alvarez, J. ; Grow ; Redondo ; Tant
Hands-free Driving; Prohibits person who violates careless driving provisions from operating vehicle while using wireless communications device in handheld manner; provides additional penalties for person who violates such provisions & operates vehicle while using such device in handheld manner; authorizes first-time offenders to participate in wireless communications device driving safety program in lieu of imposition of additional penalties; provides exceptions to such prohibition; requires law enforcement officer who stops vehicle for violation of such provisions & finds that operator of vehicle is also using such device in handheld manner to inform vehicle operator of his or her right to decline search of his or her wireless communications device; prohibits such officer from taking certain actions without warrant or consent from vehicle operator; provides that user's billing records for such device or testimony of or written statements from certain authorities are admissible as evidence in crashes resulting in death or serious bodily injury for certain purposes; provides additional fine for person who commits careless driving while using such device in handheld manner; requires deposit of such fine into EMS Trust Fund of DOH.
Bill History
| Date | Chamber | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1/8/2026 | House |
• Filed |
| 1/13/2026 | House |
• 1st Reading (Original Filed Version) |
| 1/15/2026 | House |
• Referred to Government Operations Subcommittee • Referred to State Affairs Committee • Now in Government Operations Subcommittee |
| 2/9/2026 | House |
• PCS added to Government Operations Subcommittee agenda |
| 2/11/2026 | House |
• Favorable with CS by Government Operations Subcommittee |
| 2/12/2026 | House |
• Reported out of Government Operations Subcommittee • Laid on Table under Rule 7.18(a) • CS Filed |
