Texas Legislation - Mobile Operation in Jeopardy

[K5HML]

This bill should be of concern to all Texas ham operators.
If I read it correctly, it would also affect use of ham radio
equipment while mobile.

SB154i Filed 12-15-2006
Authored by Texas State Senator Jeff Wentworth
District 25

Would make operation of any wireless devices while driving illegal.

For the text of the bill, go to
"http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/text.aspx?LegSess=80R&Bill=SB154"
available in Adobe pdf, HTML, and Microsoft Word formats.

Contact Information:

District: 25 #

Capitol Office: CAP 1E.9 #
Capitol Address: # P.O. Box 12068,
# # # # # # # # # # # # # Capitol Station
# # # # # # # # # # # # # Austin, TX 78711 #

Capitol Phone: (512) 463-0125 #

District Address: # 925 North Frost Center (Frost Bank Building),
# # # # # # # # # # # # # 1250 N.E. Loop 410
# # # # # # # # # # # # # San Antonio, TX 78209 #

District Phone: (210) 826-7800 #

E-Mail: jeff.wentworth@senate.state.tx.us

Jeff Wentworth information page:
"http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/Members/MemberInfo.aspx?Leg=80&Chamber=S&Code=A1620"

73,

Harry - K5HML
San Antonio, Texas

[wb7dmx]

I see that as referring to cell phones that do not have wires.
sense ham radios do have a wired mic, there not actually wireless.

[NN4RH]

This is another useless attempt to get people to stop yacking on cell phones while they're driving.

I've always wondered why in the world lawmakers think that using a "hands-free device" solves anything.

People have accidents using cell phones because their BRAINS are distracted, not because there is something in their hand!


I think these state legislators do this just for the publicity it will get them - they don't really want the law.

[ky5u]

Where is Captain Larry? No way he'd let this happen to hams in TEXAS!

[WA2ZDY]

I wonder how much the DPS will have to spend for wireless mics in their trooper cars. Some things don't get well thought out.

[ka5piu]

Hello.

This is just an extension of the law that now applies to CMV operations in Texas.
A person holding a CDL can not take defensive driving for any offense, I wonder how soon that will be made to apply to all drivers also?
And, there is an exemption for law enforcement.

[KC9JIQ]

Quote[/b] ]And, there is an exemption for law enforcement.

and I suppose they will Pay for the Training required to SAFELY use the wireless devices?

Like the training Cops get with "non-Lethal" tasters? But kids wielding a Bible gets killed?

I think the Cops should not be exempt, I see too many cops making Turns without using their signals, they get enough breaks. If cops can't abide by law, how on earth do you expect Don Joe to obey the law?

[KC2ESD]

I'm sick of this Nanny state Horse Manure. I thought Republicans are for freedom but not this one. Two Thumbs Down. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif

[N2RJ]

The laws in NY and NJ define "wireless device" specifically as cell phone service.

If they outlaw all wireless devices they'll outlaw your broadcast radio too. Not sure many drivers will be happy with that!

Hopefully Texas will follow NY and NJ.

Although, knowing Texas, they'll want to be differnt, just because, and you could probably kiss your mobile operation goodbye.

[ka5piu]

Hello.

The Taser is not perfect, but it is better than an all or nothing situation.
One of the troubles is that the police tend to want to take charge when waiting for the correct type of personnel is clearly the answer.
A kid with a bible screaming "I want jesus"?
That warrents the use of a Taser?
Was there any question of ANY weapons?
And, to compound this, the same baddies who run around with mink lined bullet resistant clothing now have carbon fiber tyvex added, normally used for its anti-static properties, but works wonders with all forms of stun guns.
And, although the "cop killer" bullet is under limited availability, the round is standard fare for the police across the country.
THE cop killer bullet is a brass coating over a steel sabot formed into a point.
This is the standard non-NATO round for handguns.

[N2RJ]

Quote[/b] (KC2ESD @ Jan. 30 2007,21:55)]I'm sick of this Nanny state Horse Manure. I thought Republicans are for freedom but not this one. Two Thumbs Down. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif
Are you kidding?

Republicans want to turn the entire USA into the bible belt. They stand for freedom like I stand for no code.

[PE1RDW]

When they passed the handsfree law here they where smart enough to exclude radioservices, so talking on a cb, hamradio, policeradio, trunkingradio, licencefree HT etc etc are all still alowed. (provided you are alowed to talk there to begin with)

[N5PVL]

Quote[/b] (AB2MH @ Jan. 30 2007,22:04)]Quote[/b] (KC2ESD @ Jan. 30 2007,21:55)]I'm sick of this Nanny state Horse Manure. I thought Republicans are for freedom but not this one. Two Thumbs Down. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif
Are you kidding?

Republicans want to turn the entire USA into the bible belt. #They stand for freedom like I stand for no code.
Oh, boy. Another socialist.

Hey, I'll chip in if you want to move to north Korea or Cuba, where all your political ideals have been realized! # http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[N8CPA]

Further proof that Orwell was wrong. The greatest danger to individual liberty is not Big Brother, but Big Mother--"I don't like that so you can't do that!"
"Wear a helmet!"
"Don't smoke!"
"Don't put up an antenna!"
"Don't use that cooking oil!"
"If it feels, smells, or tastes good, it's bad for you and there should be a law against it!"
"Don't flush it, bury it!"

[KA2P]

Quote[/b] (KC9JIQ @ Jan. 30 2007,19:16)]Quote[/b] ]And, there is an exemption for law enforcement.

and I suppose they will Pay for the Training required to SAFELY use the wireless devices?

Like the training Cops get with "non-Lethal" tasters? But kids wielding a Bible gets killed?

I think the Cops should not be exempt, I see too many cops making Turns without using their signals, they get enough breaks. If cops can't abide by law, how on earth do you expect Don Joe to obey the law?

I love the fact that cops have cellphones, two-way radios, and laptops in their cars, but somehow they are not distracted by all that yet a regular citizen is. Are they superhuman? Then there is the set of legislators who are chauffeured around and never drive themselves so they don't think it's a big deal.

[af7v]

Quote[/b] (KA2P @ Jan. 31 2007,06:12)]
I love the fact that cops have cellphones, two-way radios, and laptops in their cars, but somehow they are not distracted by all that yet a regular citizen is. Are they superhuman?
Amen to that!

The other day we (my family) were almost broadsided by an officer who was too busy looking at his laptop to see that he didn't have the right of way at the 4 way stop sign. Fortunately my XYL is a great driver and was able to stop before entering the intersection.

[KC0NBW]

Quote[/b] (ka5piu @ Jan. 30 2007,20:01)]Hello.

The Taser is not perfect, but it is better than an all or nothing situation.
One of the troubles is that the police tend to want to take charge when waiting for the correct type of personnel is clearly the answer.
A kid with a bible screaming "I want jesus"?
That warrents the use of a Taser?
Was there any question of ANY #weapons?
And, to compound this, the same baddies who run around with mink lined bullet resistant clothing now have carbon fiber tyvex added, normally used for its anti-static properties, but works wonders with all forms of stun guns.
And, although the "cop killer" bullet is under limited availability, the round is standard fare for the police across the country.
THE cop killer bullet is a brass coating over a steel sabot formed into a point.
This is the standard non-NATO round for handguns.
wouldn't that be a brass sabot over a steel core?

sabot means shoe, or in other words something covering up another object.

[ky5u]

WA5BEN?http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif Larry!! Yoooo hooooo! Where is the expert's expert when we need him? Surely they would have to ask his permission to do this.

[ke4pjw]

Quote[/b] (ka5piu @ Jan. 30 2007,14:01)]And, although the "cop killer" bullet is under limited availability, the round is standard fare for the police across the country.
THE cop killer bullet is a brass coating over a steel sabot formed into a point.
This is the standard non-NATO round for handguns.
Why use something called a "cop killer" when you can use a CORBON JHP (http://www.dakotaammo.net/products/corbon/convjhp.htm). http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[ke4pjw]

The only study I have read on the cause of accidents; shows that having a passenger in the car is more dangerous than a driver using a cell phone.

If this is correct, why do we not ban passengers, first?

[N2RJ]

Quote[/b] (ke4pjw @ Feb. 01 2007,11:25)]The only study I have read on the cause of accidents; shows that having a passenger in the car is more dangerous than a driver using a cell phone.

If this is correct, why do we not ban passengers, first?
Make everyone ride bicycles... LOL!

[ke4pjw]

Quote[/b] (AB2MH @ Feb. 01 2007,03:27)]Quote[/b] (ke4pjw @ Feb. 01 2007,11:25)]The only study I have read on the cause of accidents; shows that having a passenger in the car is more dangerous than a driver using a cell phone.

If this is correct, why do we not ban passengers, first?
Make everyone ride bicycles... LOL!
Hahaha! No Kidding! Helmets, pads and force the bike companies to install air bags.

Here is a new study (http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/departments/nrd-13/driver-distraction/PDF/100CarMain.pdf) I just looked over, and from what I can tell, nothing has changed. About 6% of accidents are caused by cellphones while 9% are caused by passenger distractions.

[N8CPA]

I think there should be a law against wives telling husbands how to drive. I can spot them so easily on the road!

Fortunately, nowadays, a man can choose his navigation system-- PMS or GPS. The latter is far more accurate.

[kb2vxa]

Hi all,

My my, Chicken Little strikes again. Never mind all that, I'm still wondering about the "scanner law" in New York. The bottom fell out of that so quietly I never even heard the thump.

"...4 way stop sign. Fortunately my XYL is a great driver and was able to stop before entering the intersection."

How does doing what is required of every driver make her "great"? Sorry for using your example of flawed logic but it was the best I had to work with.

[ka5piu]

Quote[/b] (KC0NBW @ Feb. 01 2007,09:05)]wouldn't that be a brass sabot over a steel core?

sabot means shoe, or in other words something covering up another object.
Hello.

Correct.
In my haste to respond to the bill in question, it has several items, I did not write this out correctly.

[KC9JIQ]

Quote[/b] (KA2P @ Jan. 31 2007,06:12)]Quote[/b] (KC9JIQ @ Jan. 30 2007,19:16)]Quote[/b] ]And, there is an exemption for law enforcement.

and I suppose they will Pay for the Training required to SAFELY use the wireless devices?

Like the training Cops get with "non-Lethal" tasters? But kids wielding a Bible gets killed?

I think the Cops should not be exempt, I see too many cops making Turns without using their signals, they get enough breaks. If cops can't abide by law, how on earth do you expect Don Joe to obey the law?

I love the fact that cops have cellphones, two-way radios, and laptops in their cars, but somehow they are not distracted by all that yet a regular citizen is. Are they superhuman? Then there is the set of legislators who are chauffeured around and never drive themselves so they don't think it's a big deal.
Notice everyone BUT the "represented" gets breaks. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif

[KE5CAX]

I just sent letters to both my senator and the chair of the committee the bill is in. I hope they see common sense and do something about this bill.

[k7mh]

Quote[/b] ]"...4 way stop sign. Fortunately my XYL is a great driver and was able to stop before entering the intersection."

How does doing what is required of every driver make her "great"? Sorry for using your example of flawed logic but it was the best I had to work with.

I think he was just comparing her against other women drivers so he may be corrrect! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[k5xit]

Quote[/b] (AB2MH @ Jan. 30 2007,20:04)]Quote[/b] (KC2ESD @ Jan. 30 2007,21:55)]I'm sick of this Nanny state Horse Manure. I thought Republicans are for freedom but not this one. Two Thumbs Down. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif
Are you kidding?

Republicans want to turn the entire USA into the bible belt. #They stand for freedom like I stand for no code.
Do you need help moving somewhere else?

[w4rlr]

I'll spring for the moving van!

[k9kjm]

Wow. What is WRONG with "lawmakers" in Texas?http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif?

Grandstanding is correct. There is already a law called
"inattentive driving" that covers all this stuff. How about simply enforcement of that one?

And now Texas wants to have MANDATORY vaccination of all young girls "just in case"

Wake up people. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif

[K9STH]

Actually, the vaccination is really not mandatory. Any parent can request that their daughter not be vaccinated and the child will NOT be vaccinated.

Glen, K9STH

[WS2L]

Although ham radio is "Wireless Communications" the radio it'self is wired to the car and antenna and your using a microphone. Like some other states they are banning the use of cellphones unless you have a headset or something of that nature attached. If you have your cellphone up to your ear....your beat.

[KC9ECI]

If more people would drive, instead of drive and talk, drive and eat, drive and read the newspaper....I'd not see and many accidents.

I'm not kidding either. I got stuck behind a truck one day with the pumper...lights, siren, everything. Guy wouldn't pull over. Finally got into a safe passing zone with no oncoming...as we pulled alongside, he finally noticed us. He was reading the newspaper.

[K4KWH]

Quote[/b] (WS2L @ Feb. 03 2007,10:39)]Although ham radio is "Wireless Communications" the radio it'self is wired to the car and antenna and your using a microphone. Like some other states they are banning the use of cellphones unless you have a headset or something of that nature attached. If you have your cellphone up to your ear....your beat.
This will/would be a good one for ARRL to tackle. #Getting Amateur radio exempted from this. #I think a case can be made that cellphones are a relatively new thing. Amateurs (and other two-way users) have been using conventional radios for nigh on 60 years. Unless I miss my guess, a case can be made based on statistics that two-way radio users have never HAD the number of incidents the general public has has had with their cellphones. How many of you have been "shied" out of your lane by some soccer mom in a minivan on a cellphone--obviously out in la-la land. If we act quickly to head this off (nationwide) I think we could beat it. Comments? #I've already fired off letters to legislators who are sponsoring these bills in several states to make them aware that their efforts, while well-meaning, are overkill and not necessary in the case of hams and other two-way users.


73

[N2RJ]

Quote[/b] (k5xit @ Feb. 01 2007,21:10)]Quote[/b] (AB2MH @ Jan. 30 2007,20:04)]Quote[/b] (KC2ESD @ Jan. 30 2007,21:55)]I'm sick of this Nanny state Horse Manure. I thought Republicans are for freedom but not this one. Two Thumbs Down. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif
Are you kidding?

Republicans want to turn the entire USA into the bible belt. They stand for freedom like I stand for no code.
Do you need help moving somewhere else?
I don't live in the Bible belt. I don't need to move.

But if you feel to pay for my moving expenses in a few weeks, feel free.