KUT reports that Text Ban/3-Foot Passing Rule resolution PASSES 7-0

KUT is reporting that the resolution directing the city manager to create a city ordinance banning texting in a moving vehicle and setting up a local 3-foot passing law passed the City Council UNANIMOUSLY! Though there were speakers who stepped forward in favor of the bill, one of it's detractors raised a very valid point that's been echoed on some of the local bike mailing lists:

Debbie Russell, with the ACLU of Texas Central Texas Chapter, was concerned there would be problems with enforcement.

“We see time and again that laws are not the best way to try to change peoples’ behaviors. Peer pressure, public education campaigns are in fact wildly successful in comparative terms,” said Russell.

What do y'all think? Do you think passing a law banning texting and mandating a 3-foot passing distance is a good thing for the local community, or does this open us up to a world of interpretation and enforcement issues? I believe that the law is a good idea in theory, but will withhold final judgment until I can see the wording of the ordinance. Hopefully the city manager and City Council will consider some citizen input in the process of crafting the language and specifics of the new laws.

Oh yeah, THANK YOU to the City of Austin City Council for sending a BIG F-YOU to Governor Hairdo. I'm looking forward to passing a law in his back yard that he wouldn't let pass state-wide. Fuck that guy.

Update: Looks like The Statesman's City Beat scooped everyone, reporting the passing of the resolution at 10:49am this morning. Damn, I should read that blog more often. As always, the comments section is a freaking goldmine.