WFTX-TV: Bill Would Ban Cell Phone Towers On School Property

Great job Dara!  Excellent quote on FOX5 News!

Bill Would Ban Cell Phone Towers On School Property

Updated: Monday, 05 Mar 2012, 6:52 PM EST

Published : Monday, 05 Mar 2012, 6:47 PM ES

By PAUL YATES/myfoxatlanta

 

ATLANTA - Opponents of cell phone towers on school property say their legislation aimed at stopping campus towers has stalled at the state capitol.

State Rep. Karla Drenner (D-Avondale Estates) has pushed for a measure that would ban cell phone towers on school property statewide because of potential health threats to students from radiation.
She has also introduced legislation that would target future school yard cell phone towers in DeKalb County, where the school system recently made an agreement allowing towers at nine schools.

“I’ve offered this piece of legislature under the premise of what’s called prudent avoidance: if we don’t know the long-term health effects associated with placing towers on school property, we should avoid this as much as we can,” Drenner said.

Drenner said that neither measure has made any progress at the State Capitol.  Crossover Day, when most bills must have passed the House or Senate to remain alive for the remainder of this year's legislative session, is Wednesday.  Parents and others said they lobby key state lawmakers for the legislation.

“The problem is that it’s not yet determined. That being said, why should our children be guinea pigs?” said parent Dara Schlacter. 

The issue has become controversial as financially-struggling school districts make deals for cell phone towers. 

The DeKalb system has said studies indicate the towers don't bring a health risk.
Other metro school districts, including the city of Atlanta as well as Cobb and Fulton counties, have allowed cell phone towers on school property.

Drenner announced that a House committee would conduct a hearing on her bill on Tuesday.

Bill Would Ban Cell Phone Towers On School Property: MyFoxATLANTA.com