Read first time 01/15/2007.   Referred to Committee on Transportation.

     AN ACT Relating to operating a motor vehicle while reading, writing, or sending electronic messages; adding a new section to chapter 46.61 RCW; and providing an effective date.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   A new section is added to chapter 46.61 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, a person operating a moving motor vehicle while reading, manually writing, or sending a text message on an electronic wireless communications device is guilty of a traffic infraction.
     (2) Subsection (1) of this section does not apply to a person operating:
     (a) An authorized emergency vehicle;
     (b) A moving motor vehicle who is also operating an amateur radio and who holds a current, valid amateur radio station license issued by the federal communications commission; or
     (c) A moving motor vehicle while using an electronic wireless communications device to:
     (i) Report illegal activity;
     (ii) Summon medical or other emergency help; or
     (iii) Prevent injury to a person or property.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   This act takes effect January 1, 2008.