House Bill 348

(As Passed the House)

AN ACT TO ALLOW STUDENTS TO DRINK BOTTLED WATER ON SCHOOL BUS WHILE TRAVELING FROM HOME TO SCHOOL AND FROM SCHOOL TO HOME; TO PROVIDE THAT THE WATER MUST BE IN ITS ORIGINAL LABELED AND CLEAR, PLASTIC BOTTLE WITH AN UNBROKEN SEAL; TO PROHIBIT EATING OR DRINKING ANY OTHER ITEMS OR BEVERAGES ON SCHOOL BUSES; TO PROVIDE AN EXCEPTION WHEN TRAVELING OUT-OF-TOWN FOR EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES OR FIELD TRIPS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. (1) (a) Any student who is transported on a school bus from his or her place of residence to the school of enrollment and attendance, or from the school of enrollment and attendance to his or her home shall be allowed to drink bottled water on the school bus of transport. The water must be in its original labeled and clear, plastic bottle with an unbroken seal at the time of boarding the school bus. Notwithstanding, the exception for the allowance of water, as prescribed in this subsection, students are prohibited from eating or drinking any other items or beverages while in transport to and from school on the school bus.

(b) As a matter of safety precaution, the student must keep water bottles in his or her lap for the duration of the transportation period, or in his or her book bag when not drinking. Students should be mindful not to leave any water bottles brought onto the school bus on the seat or floor when the student exits the bus.

(2) When attending out-of-town extracurricular activities or field trips that require travel by school bus, students, at the discretion of the supervising school employee, teacher, coach or administrator with approval of the school board, may be permitted to eat or drink on the school bus, provided that such items are not in violation of any policy of the school district. Students should be mindful not to leave any debris from food or drink container brought onto the school bus on the seat or floor when the student exits the bus upon the conclusion of said travel.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2017.