BILL REQ. #:  S-4353.1 

READ FIRST TIME 02/05/04.   

     AN ACT Relating to the use of portable or cellular phones or paging telecommunications devices by students; amending RCW 28A.320.135; and creating a new section.

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

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The legislature finds that it is essential to provide a safe and secure learning environment within the public schools. While recognizing that cellular or portable phones may be used for inappropriate activities during school hours and on school property and may, on occasion, cause disruption in the classroom environment, the legislature also recognizes that the use of cellular or portable phones can decrease the response time of officials to emergency situations. In addition, cellular or portable phones allow parents an additional and timely method of contacting their children in the event of an emergency.

Sec. 2   RCW 28A.320.135 and 1997 c 266 s 10 are each amended to read as follows:
     School district boards of directors may adopt policies that limit the ((possession)) use by a student while in school, on school property, on public school transportation, or during school-sponsored activities of (1) paging telecommunication devices by students that emit audible signals, vibrate, display a message, or otherwise summons or delivers a communication to the possessor, and (2) portable or cellular telephones. A school district board of directors shall not adopt policies and shall amend current policies prohibiting students from possessing paging telecommunication devices or portable or cellular phones. However, district policies may be adopted that prohibit an individual student from possessing a paging telecommunication device or portable or cellular phone if the student violates the policies adopted by the board.