2/21/2019
The Daily Bulletin: 2019-02-21 | Legislative Reporting Service
SCHOOL OF GOVERN?
GOVERNMENT
The Daily Bulletin: 2019-02-21
PUBLIC/HOUSE BILLS
H 144 (2019-2020) HANDS FREE NC. Filed Feb21 2019, AN ACT MAKING IT UNLAWFUL TO USE A WIRELESS
COMMUNICATION DEVICE WHILE OPERATING A MOTOR VEHICLE ON A PUBLIC STREET HIGHWAY, OR PUBLIC
VEHICULAR AREA.
Titles the act "The Hands Free NC Act."
Repeals GS 20-1 37.3 (pertaining to unlawful use of a mobile phone while operating a vehicle by persons under 1 8 years of
age), GS 20-137.4 (pertaining to unlawful use of a mobile phone while operating a school bus), and GS 20-I37.4A (pertaining
to unlawful use of mobile telephone for text messaging or electronic mail while operating a vehicle).
Enacts new GS 20-137.
ЗА
as follows. Defines motor vehicle as every vehicle which is self-propelled. Prohibits operating a
motor vehicle ( 1 ) with a wireless communication device in the person's hand. (2) while holding or supporting a wireless
communication device with the person's body. (3) while watching a video or movie or communicating by video on a wireless
communication device, or (4) while texting on a wireless communication device. Defines wireless communication device as (1)
a cell phone, personal digital assistant, electronic device with mobile data access, laptop computer, pager, smartwatch.
broadband personal communication device, two-way messaging device, electronic game, and portable computing device or (2)
a device through which personal wireless services as defined in 47 32 USC 332(c)(7)(C)(i) are transmitted. Defines operating
a motor vehicle as operating a motor vehicle on a public street, highway, or public vehicular area, excluding where vehicle is
off. or to the side of. a public street, highway, or public vehicular area in a location where the motor vehicle can safely remain
stationary. Sets out exceptions to the prohibition when (1) the device is affixed, mounted, or installed in the vehicle and used to
handle a call by touching a single button if the person is 1 8 years or older or used to follow an electronic navigation system
when the address information is entered before operation of the vehicle; (2) the device is used to communicate an emergency
to one of the specified public safety entities; or (3) the device is used in the performance of official duties by one of four
specified classes of public safety officers. First offenses (for a person with no prior or no offense in the prior 36 months) are an
infraction punishable by a $100 fee with no insurance points. Second offenses (where a person is guilty of a first offense within
the previous 36 months) are an infraction with a $150 fine and insurance points. Third and subsequent offenses (where a
person is guilty of two or more offenses within the previous 36 months) are an infraction with a $200 fine and insurance points.
Prohibits local governments from passing ordinances regulating this topic.
Amends GS 58-36-75 to require the North Carolina Rate Bureau to assign one insurance point under the Safe Drive Incentive
plan for a person convicted for a second offense and two insurance points for a person convicted for a third or subsequent
offense.
Applies to offenses committed on or after January 1 . 2020. Requires issuing only warning tickets for the first six months.
Intro, by Corbin, Torbett, Hardister, Pierce.
GS 20, GS 58
Business and Commerce, Insurance, Courts/Judiciary, Motor
Vehicle, Government, Public Safety and Emergency
Management, Public Enterprises and Utilities
View summary
H 145 (2019-2020) 15-POINT SCALE FOR SCHOOL PERFORMANCE GRADES. Filed Feb 21
20Ю,
AN ACT TO ADOPT A
FIFTEEN-POINT SCALE IN THE DETERMINATION OF SCHOOL PERFORMANCE GRADES.
https://lrs.sog.unc.edU/lrs-subscr-view/dailybulletin/2019-02-21#
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