BILL NUMBER: S3072
SPONSOR: LANZA
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the general business law, in relation to prohibiting
manufacturers and distributors from providing certain portable electron-
ic devices for sale in this state; and to amend the vehicle and traffic
law, in relation to eliminating the exemption granted to certain persons
relating to the use of portable devices
 
PURPOSE:
This bill requires portable electronic devices distributed after January
1, 2021 to automatically disable their texting and computer functions
when the holder is operating a motor vehicle over 10 miles an hour.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 of the bill amends the general business law by adding a new
section 390-d.
Section 2 of the bill amends subdivisions 1, 3, and 4 of section 1225-d
of the vehicle and traffic law.
Section 3 of the bill is the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Texting while driving is distracting and dangerous. Statistics have
shown that death by texting drivers is increasing and is making our
roads and highways dangerous to the public. This bill would require
manufacturers of electronic portable devices to have technology that
eliminates the texting feature while someone is operating a motor vehi-
cle which will result in better focus on the road, and therefore, safer
roads for the residents of New York State.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2022: S.4576 - Referred to Consumer Protection
2021: S.4576 - Referred to Consumer Protection
2020: S.1119 - Referred to Consumer Protection
2019: S.1119 - Referred to Consumer Protection
2018: S.5994-A - Referred to Consumer Protection
2017: S.5994- Referred to Consumer Protection
2016: S.4652- Referred to Consumer Protection
2015: S.4652 - Referred to Consumer Protection
2014: S.7805 - Referred to Consumer Protection
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the thirtieth day after it shall have
become law.