Signed by Governor Joseph Lombardo

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires school district policies on student use of electronic communication devices to include a graduated discipline system, restrictions during instruction, and specific exceptions for emergencies and educational needs.

Highlights:

• Requires the board of trustees of each school district to adopt a policy concerning the use and possession by pupils of an electronic device while on the premises of a public school or while at an activity sponsored by a public school (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that the policy created by the school district must (Sec. 1): 

• Prescribe appropriate measures for disciplining a pupil who violates the policy that include, without limitation, a system to rate violations of a policy adopted on a progressive scale based on the number and seriousness of the violations;

• Prescribe limitations on the use of an electronic communication device during instruction; and

• Include exceptions to any limitations on the use of an electronic communication device, such as during an emergency or crisis, or to manage the health of a pupil, if a teacher allows for the use of an electronic communication device for instructional purposes, and if the use of an electronic communication device is

• included as part of an individualized education program or a 504 plan.

• Specifies that the bill becomes effective upon passage and approval for the purpose of performing any administrative tasks necessary to adopt the policy no later than June 30, 2026, and on July 1, 2026, for all other purposes (Sec. 2).

Full Bill Text