RALEIGH, N.C. — On July 3, a North Carolina Senate judiciary committee approved a bill that would prohibit bus drivers from talking on a cell phone, or using any other cell phone-related technology while transporting students on a school bus, or a school-chartered activity bus.

The bill makes one exception to this stipulation, indicating that a driver can use a mobile telephone in an emergency situation. It also does not prohibit drivers from talking on a cell phone while a bus is not in motion.

Additional stipulations state that local governments cannot pass ordinances that would regulate cell phone use on school buses, and that drivers who violate the law would receive a $100 fine. Law enforcement officials would not, however, have the authority to seize the driver's phone.

The bill will next be voted on by the full Senate. If it becomes law, the act will take effect on Dec. 1, 2007.