HB 689

1
A bill to be entitled
2An act relating to driver improvement schools and
3education programs for driver's license applicants;
4amending ss. 318.1451 and 322.095, F.S.; requiring the
5curricula of such programs to include instruction on the
6risks associated with using a handheld electronic
7communication device while operating a motor vehicle;
8providing an effective date.
9
10Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
11
12     Section 1.  Paragraph (a) of subsection (2) of section
13318.1451, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
14     318.1451  Driver improvement schools.-
15     (2)(a)  In determining whether to approve the courses
16referenced in this section, the department shall consider course
17content designed to promote safety, driver awareness, crash
18avoidance techniques, awareness of the risks associated with
19using a handheld electronic communication device while operating
20a motor vehicle, and other factors or criteria to improve driver
21performance from a safety viewpoint.
22     Section 2.  Subsection (1) of section 322.095, Florida
23Statutes, is amended to read:
24     322.095  Traffic law and substance abuse education program
25for driver's license applicants.-
26     (1)  The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
27must approve traffic law and substance abuse education courses
28that must be completed by applicants for a Florida driver's
29license. The curricula for the courses must provide instruction
30on the physiological and psychological consequences of the abuse
31of alcohol and other drugs, the societal and economic costs of
32alcohol and drug abuse, the effects of alcohol and drug abuse on
33the driver of a motor vehicle, the risks associated with using a
34handheld electronic communication device while operating a motor
35vehicle, and the laws of this state relating to the operation of
36a motor vehicle. All instructors teaching the courses shall be
37certified by the department.
38     Section 3.  This act shall take effect July 1, 2011.


CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.