SB 6454-S - DIGEST

(AS OF SENATE 2ND READING 2/12/04)

Recognizes 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, and 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.

Provides that school district boards of directors may adopt policies that limit the use by a student while in school, on school property, on public school transportation, or during school-sponsored activities.

Declares that 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.