§239.  Prohibition against unauthorized use of electronic telecommunication devices; exceptions; penalties

A.  Effective beginning with the 2003-2004 school year and thereafter, no student, unless authorized by the school principal or his designee shall use or operate any electronic telecommunication device including any facsimile system, radio paging service, mobile telephone service, intercom, or electro-mechanical paging system in any public elementary or secondary school building or on the grounds thereof or in any school bus used to transport public school students.

B.  A violation of the provisions of Subsection A of this Section may be grounds for disciplinary action by the school system, including but not limited to suspension from school.

C.  Nothing in this Section shall affect the conduct of law enforcement activities including the use of electronic detection devices, dogs, or other means of conducting searches for weapons, drugs, or other contraband in whatever manner is otherwise permitted by law and consistent with local school board policy.

D.  Nothing in this Section shall prohibit the use and operation by any person, including students, of any electronic telecommunication device described in Subsection A of this Section in the event of an emergency.  Emergency means an actual or imminent threat to public health or safety which may result in loss of life, injury, or property damage.

Acts 1989, No. 526, §1; Acts 2003, No. 927, §1, eff. August 1, 2003.