BILL ANALYSIS                                                                                                                                                                                                    �



                                                                  SB 194
                                                                  Page  1

          Date of Hearing:   July 3, 2013

                        ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
                                  Mike Gatto, Chair

                SB 194 (Galgiani) - As Introduced:  February 7, 2013 

          Policy Committee:                              
          TransportationVote:15-0

          Urgency:     No                   State Mandated Local Program:  
          Yes    Reimbursable:              No

           SUMMARY  

          This bill prohibits those under age 18 from using any electronic  
          wireless communications (texting) device while driving, even if  
          the device can be operated hands-free.

           FISCAL EFFECT  

          1)Minor non-reimbursable costs to cities and counties for  
            enforcement, offset to some extent by fine revenues.

          2)Minor absorbable costs to the CHP.

           COMMENTS  

           1)Background  . SB 1613 (Simitian)/Chapter 290 of 2006, prohibits  
            persons from using a wireless telephone while driving a motor  
            vehicle unless the device is configured to allow for  
            hands-free listening and talking. SB 33(Simitian)/ Chapter 214  
            of 2007 prohibits persons under age 18 from using a wireless  
            telephone while driving even if the device allows for  
            hands-free use. 

            SB 28 (Simitian)/Chapter 270 of 2007 prohibits persons from  
            writing, sending or reading text-based communications while  
            driving. AB 1536 (Miller)/Chapter 92 of 2012, authorized an  
            exception to SB 28 when text messages are transmitted using  
            voice-operated, hands-free technology.

           2)Purpose  . This bill is intended to clarify that the use of  
            voice-operated, hands-free texting technology is expressly  
            prohibited for drivers under age 18.








                                                                  SB 194
                                                                  Page  2


           3)Related Legislation  . AB 313 (Frazier), which repeals the  
            provisions of AB 1536, failed passage in this committee has  
            been granted reconsideration. 

           Analysis Prepared by  :    Chuck Nicol / APPR. / (916) 319-2081