A bill

to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by amending Section 59-63-280, relating to policies concerning the use of paging devices in public schools, so as to instead require policies concerning the use of wireless electronic communication devices, to define necessary terms, and to provide such policies must prohibit the use of wireless electronic communication devices in classrooms and gymnasiums during periods of academic instruction.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

SECTION 1.   Section 59-63-280 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

   Section 59-63-280.   (A) For purposes of this section, "paging device" means a telecommunications, to include mobile telephones, device that emits an audible signal, vibrates, displays a message, or otherwise summons or delivers a communication to the possessor "wireless electronic communication device" means an electronic device such as a telephone, personal digital assistant, paging device, text-messaging device, or other device similar in function that can be used to wirelessly communicate with another person.

   (B) The board of trustees of each school district shall adopt a policy that addresses student possession of paging wireless electronic communication devices as defined in subsection (A). This policy must be included in the district's written student conduct standards. If the policy includes confiscation of a paging wireless electronic communication device, as defined in subsection (A), it should also provide for the return of the device to the owner. At a minimum, this policy must prohibit the use of wireless electronic communication devices in classrooms during periods of academic instruction.

SECTION 2.   This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.

----XX----