SCHOOL POLICY: CELL PHONE USE - H.B. 4218 (H-4): COMMITTEE SUMMARY
House Bill 4218 (Substitute H-4 as passed by the House)
Sponsor: Representative Mary Ann Middaugh
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Revised School Code to lift the prohibition against pupils carrying pocket pagers, electronic communication devices, or other personal communication devices in school, beginning with the 2004-2005 school year. At that time, the board of a school district or the board of directors of a public school academy could adopt and implement its own policy concerning whether pupils could carry these devices.
Currently, school boards must prohibit pupils from carrying pocket pagers, electronic communication devices, or other personal communication devices in school, unless a board approves their use for health or other unusual reasons. Under the bill, this prohibition would apply until the end of the 2003-2004 school year, unless a board or board of directors adopted its own local policy to the contrary.
Under the Code, a board may develop penalties that it considers appropriate for a pupil who violates the prohibition. The bill also would allow a board or board of directors to develop penalties for violators of its own policy.
MCL 380.1303 - Legislative Analyst: Claire Layman
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.
- Fiscal Analyst: Joe CarrascoS0304\s4218sa
This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.