THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA

HOUSE BILL

INTRODUCED BY CRUZ, YOUNGBLOOD, MUSTIO, CALTAGIRONE, KORTZ, REICHLEY, READSHAW, SABATINA, SIPTROTH AND THOMAS, FEBRUARY 11, 2009

REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION, FEBRUARY 11, 2009  

AN ACT

Amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), entitled "An

act relating to the public school system, including certain

provisions applicable as well to private and parochial

schools; amending, revising, consolidating and changing the

laws relating thereto," in pupils and attendance, further

prohibiting possession of telephone pagers and certain

electronic devices.

The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

hereby enacts as follows:

Section 1.  Section 1317.1 of the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.

30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, added

December 22, 1989 (P.L.749, No.103), is amended to read:

Section 1317.1.  Possession of [Telephone Pagers] Electronic

Devices Prohibited.--(a)  The possession by students of

telephone paging devices, commonly referred to as beepers,

cellular telephones and portable electronic devices that record

or play audio or video material shall be prohibited on school

grounds, at school sponsored activities and on buses or other

vehicles provided by the school district.

(b)  The prohibition against beepers and cellular telephones 

contained in subsection (a) shall not apply in the following

cases, provided that the school authorities approve of the

presence of the beeper or cellular telephone in each case:

(1)  A student who is a member of a volunteer fire company,

ambulance or rescue squad.

(2)  A student who has a need for a beeper or cellular

telephone due to the medical condition of an immediate family

member.

Section 2.  This act shall take effect in 60 days.