Bill Hb 537

Jamel Newsome

Instructor Longo

November 8, 2016

CJAD 301: Criminal Law

                                Bill 537

Texting and driving are dangerous in today's society, especially in our nation. Drivers text on their phones every day, even though they know the dangers that come with it. With the rise of cutting edge technology, the rise of several car accidents around the nation is as well. There are laws to combat the influx of incidents, but is it working? The State of Florida is trying to pass harsher laws on the use of wireless devices while operating an automobile.

              The Bill is HB 537 wireless communication devices from the state of Florida. The bill's sponsors are Ray Pilon and Perry E Thurston Jr. They are political members of the Florida House of Representatives.

              Bill HB 537 comes in as a tougher stance on "Florida Ban on Texting while driving" law that is a secondary offense. This means that law enforcement cannot issue the driver a citation solely because he/she was texting. The only way a citation may be giving is if law enforcement stops you for other primary offenses. These offenses include speeding, running a red light and other traffic infractions. Bill 537 wants to authorize law enforcement to stop motor vehicles and issue citations as a primary offense.

        There isn't a group I foresee because there are several groups that support the bill. There has been a divide with this proposed bill within the state. Supporters like AAA, the Florida Police Chiefs Association, and the Florida Sheriffs Association. They argued that there were only 1,800 citations given last year, which they feel isn't enough to combat spikes texting while driving. The secondary offense citation doesn't work and isn't effective. I researched this bill and couldn't find a group who was opposed. The bill was held up for reasons not publicly expressed. I will use the NYRA as an opposing side on the general notion of texting while driving. The National Youth Rights Association calls the laws, "ageist" and discriminatory.

         All states besides Arizona and Montana have laws of some ban on texting while driving law, but Florida is only one of a handful of states that have the secondary offense law. Being a native from Florida, I agree with Bill 537. Texting while driving is too dangerous not to have harsher enforcements. I see people on their phones way too much, not only in Florida but many other states. If we do not impose federal law, I believe cellular devices while driving will become even worst years from now. Its up to Society to push the safety of everyday Americans.