Senate Bill 2294

(As Passed the Senate)

AN ACT TO PROHIBIT THE USE OF A CELLULAR PHONE WHILE DRIVING A PUBLIC 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 public school bus to use a cellular phone while operating the school bus. The prohibition in this subsection shall not apply: (a) when the public 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.