9/26/08-Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed a bill into law prohibiting adults from text messaging while driving. It takes effect Jan. 1.
The new law, previously SB28, compliments an existing law that took effect July 1 that requires drivers to use hands-free devices while chatting on the phone.
As is the case for violating the cell phone law, police will be allowed to pull over adults found texting. Violators would face at least $20 fines. Subsequent offenses would result in up to $50 fines.

8/22/08-The Senate voted 25-14 to sign off on Assembly changes to a bill that would prohibit adults from text messaging while driving. Sponsored by Sen. Joe Simitian, D-Palo Alto, SB28 now moves to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s desk.
The bill would remove the loophole that allows adults to use hand-held devices to send, receive or read text messages while driving. It would take effect Jan. 1.
Violations would be a primary offense. Fines would be $20. Subsequent offenses would result in up to $50 fines.
For bill status, call (916) 651-4120.

8/20/08-The Assembly voted 52-24 to approve a bill that would prohibit adults from text messaging while driving.
Sponsored by Sen. Joe Simitian, D-Palo Alto, SB28 would remove the loophole that allows adults to use hand-held devices to send, receive or read text messages while driving. If approved, it would take effect Jan. 1.
Violators would face at least $20 fines. Subsequent offenses would result in up to $50 fines.
The bill has moved back to the Senate for approval of changes before it could to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s desk.
For bill status, call (916) 651-4120.

8/13/08-The Assembly Transportation Committee voted to approve a bill that would prohibit adults from text messaging while driving.
Sponsored by Sen. Joe Simitian, D-Palo Alto, SB28 now moves to the full Assembly. If approved there, it would head back to the Senate for approval of changes before moving to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s desk.
The bill would remove the loophole that allows adults to use hand-held devices to send, receive or read text messages while driving. If approved, it would take effect Jan. 1.
Violators would face at least $20 fines. Subsequent offenses would result in up to $50 fines.
For bill status, call (916) 651-4120.

7/15/08-The Senate voted 39-31 to approve a bill that was amended to add a provision that would prohibit adults from text messaging while driving.
Sponsored by Sen. Joe Simitian, D-Palo Alto, SB28 now moves back to the Assembly for consideration of changes.
The bill would remove the loophole in state law that allows adults to use hand-held devices to send, receive or read text messages while driving. If approved, it would take effect Jan. 1.
Police would be allowed to pull over adults found texting. Violators would face at least $20 fines. Subsequent offenses would result in up to $50 fines.
For bill status, call (916) 651-4120.