Signed by Governor Jim Pillen

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that prohibits student cell phone use in schools in Nebraska.

Highlights:

• Requires before school year 2025-26, that each school board of a public school district adopt policies which establish rules and standards concerning use of electronic communication devices by students while on school property or attending a school function (Sec. 1).

• Specifies these policies shall include stakeholder participation to ensure that they are responsive to the unique needs and desires of students, parents, and educators in each community (Sec. 1).

• Specifies these policies shall (Sec. 1):

• Prohibits the use of an electronic communication device by students while on school property or attending a school function; and

• May include student discipline and enforcement mechanisms to limit access to cell phones by students.

• Specifies the policy may not limit a student's access to an electronic communication device while on school property or at a school function under the following circumstances (Sec. 1):

• When required by a student's individualized education program developed under the Special Education Act and any rules and regulations adopted or promulgated;

• When authorized by a teacher for educational purposes during instructional time;

• In the case of an emergency or perceived threat of danger;

• When necessary to monitor or manage a student's health care; or

• When determined by the school board to be appropriate.

• Specifies that this shall not be interpreted to authorize monitoring, collecting, or otherwise accessing any information on an electronic communication device not owned by or provided for academic use by the school district (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that prohibits student cell phone use in schools in Nebraska.

Highlights:

• Requires before school year 2025-26, that each school board of a public school district adopt policies which establish rules and standards concerning use of electronic communication devices by students while on school property or attending a school function (Sec. 1).

• Specifies these policies shall include stakeholder participation to ensure that they are responsive to the unique needs and desires of students, parents, and educators in each community (Sec. 1).

• Specifies these policies shall (Sec. 1):

• Prohibits the use of an electronic communication device by students while on school property or attending a school function; and

• May include student discipline and enforcement mechanisms to limit access to cell phones by students.

• Specifies the policy may not limit a student's access to an electronic communication device while on school property or at a school function under the following circumstances (Sec. 1):

• When required by a student's individualized education program developed under the Special Education Act and any rules and regulations adopted or promulgated;

• When authorized by a teacher for educational purposes during instructional time;

• In the case of an emergency or perceived threat of danger;

• When necessary to monitor or manage a student's health care; or

• When determined by the school board to be appropriate.

• Specifies that this shall not be interpreted to authorize monitoring, collecting, or otherwise accessing any information on an electronic communication device not owned by or provided for academic use by the school district (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text