Ch. 251                                    2003 LAWS OF MARYLAND

Article - Education

26-104.

(a) [This] EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN SUBSECTION (E) OF THIS SECTION, THIS
section applies only in Baltimore City and [Caroline, Dorchester,]—Somerset,
[Talbot,] Wicomico, and Worcester counties.

(b) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

(2)     "Portable pager" means any device carried, worn, or transported by
an individual to receive or communicate messages.

(3) "PORTABLE PHONE" MEANS A WIRELESS TELEPHONE USED FOR
COMMUNICATION.

(4) (3) "Public school property" means the grounds of any public school.

(c) Except as provided in [subsection] SUBSECTIONS (d) AND (E) of this
section, an individual may not possess a portable pager on public school property.

(D) (1) THIS SUBSECTION APPLIES ONLY IN CAROLINE, DORCHESTER, AND
TALBOT COUNTIES.

(2) IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE POLICY OF THE COUNTY BOARD, A
STUDENT MAY:

(I) POSSESS A PORTABLE PHONE ON PUBLIC SCHOOL PROPERTY;

OR                                                                                                                       

(II) USE A PORTABLE PHONE ON PUBLIC SCHOOL PROPERTY
BEFORE OR AFTER SCHOOL HOURS.

[(d)] (E)—This section does not apply to:

(1) Handicapped students using portable pagers for medical reasons;

(2) Law enforcement officers;

(3)     Visitors on public school property for an authorized program,
meeting, or function;

(4)     Faculty or staff members employed by a county board;

(5)     Members of any volunteer fire department, ambulance company, or
rescue squad, who are designated to possess a portable pager on public school
property by the chief of the volunteer fire department, ambulance company, or rescue
squad, and the school principal; and

(6) Students whose portable pagers are contained in vehicles that are on
public school property and are not found to be connected with criminal activity.

[(e)]—(F) —If an individual violates subsection (e) OR (D) of this section, the
school authorities:

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