MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2005 Regular Session

To: Education

By: Senator(s) Ross

Senate Bill 2294

AN ACT TO PROHIBIT THE USE OF A CELLULAR PHONE WHILE DRIVING A SCHOOL BUS; TO PROVIDE CERTAIN EXCEPTIONS THERETO; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

     SECTION 1.  (1)  It shall be unlawful for a driver of any school bus to use a cellular phone while operating the school bus.  The prohibition in this subsection shall not apply:  (a) when the school bus is parked in a safe area off of a street or highway; or (b) in an emergency situation. 

     (2)  Any person who violates the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be fined in an amount not less than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) for each offense. 

     SECTION 2.  This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2005.