Texas Legislative Update

BOOSTER SEAT LAW GOES INTO EFFECT

 Starting September 1, 2009, Senate Bill 61 requires that all children younger than eight (8) years old (unless they are taller than 4’9”) be in child passenger safety seat system, which includes traditional car seats and booster seats, installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

NEW CELL PHONE LAW

 The 81st Texas Legislature passed laws restricting all drivers under the age of 18 from using a wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle. The law only applies to teens who receive their license after September 1, 2009; however, drivers under 18 who already have their license still cannot use cell phones for six months after receiving their license.

SAFETY OF CHILDREN IN SCHOOL ZONES

 Effective September 1, 2009, wireless communication devices may only be used in active school zones if the driver either stops the car or is using a hands-free device. Municipalities that want to enforce this new restriction must place a sign at the start of each school zone alerting drivers of the law. Making an emergency call is a defense.

DRIVERS UNDER 18 MAY NOT USE A CELL PHONE

H.B. 339, prohibits a driver under 18 using a cell phone at any time, with or without a hands-free device.

H. B. 2259, effective September 1, 2009, established a schedule for removing surface equipment at inactive well sites as well as establishing additional financial requirements for inactive wells to encourage operators to either plug or return their inactive wells to production.