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2017 House Bill 1371: Modifying the infraction of and penalties for distracted driving
Introduced by Rep. Jessyn Farrell (Kenmore) (D) on January 18, 2017
Referred to the House Transportation Committee on January 18, 2017
Substitute offered in the House on February 15, 2017
Replaces current laws that prohibit use of a hand-held cellular phone and texting while driving with a prohibition on a driver using a personal electronic device with his or her hands while driving to conduct a range of activities other than the minimal use of a finger to activate, deactivate, or initiate a function of the device.
Amendment offered by Rep. Dave Hayes (Camano Island) (R) on March 7, 2017
Retains current laws that prohibit use of a hand-held cellular phone and texting while driving, removing the prohibition on a driver using a personal electronic device with his or her hands while driving to conduct a range of activities other than the minimal use of a finger to activate, deactivate, or initiate a function of the device; (2) Defines driving in a dangerously distracted manner as engaging in any activity not related to the actual operation of a motor vehicle in a manner that interferes with the safe operation of such motor vehicle on a highway.
The amendment failed by voice vote in the House on March 7, 2017
Amendment offered by Rep. Jessyn Farrell (Kenmore) (D) on March 7, 2017
Broadens the exemption from the prohibition on the use of the telephone call functionality of a wireless communications device for tow truck operators to permit all use of the telephone call functionality of the device; (2) Exempts drivers of autonomous vehicles, beginning in 2021, from the prohibition on the use of personal electronic device usage while the vehicle is being operated in a mode that does not require the person to be in active physical control of or continuously monitoring the vehicle.
The amendment passed by voice vote in the House on March 7, 2017
Amendment offered by Rep. Jesse Young (Gig Harbor) (R) on March 7, 2017
Adds as an exception to prohibited personal electronic device usage while driving a motor vehicle the use of a personal electronic device during an emergency situation or extraordinary circumstances that have temporarily caused a significant traffic delay, as long as the vehicle is not a commercial motor vehicle.
The amendment passed by voice vote in the House on March 7, 2017
Received in the Senate on March 9, 2017
Referred to the Senate Transportation Committee on March 9, 2017
Referred to the Senate Rules Committee on March 31, 2017