Substitute House Bill No. 5035 establishes a prohibition on the use of personal wireless communication devices, including cell phones, by students during the regular school day across local and regional boards of education. The bill outlines specific exceptions for device use, such as for health reasons or as part of an individualized education program (IEP). It mandates that all personal devices be powered off and stored according to school board policies, and it restricts access to social media platforms through school-provided internet, allowing such access only for instructional purposes. The bill also requires school boards to adopt and regularly update comprehensive policies regarding the use of these devices, including provisions for storage, enforcement, and emergency communication with parents.

Additionally, the bill repeals existing laws that permitted the use of paging devices and modifies current regulations concerning cell phone use in schools. House Amendment "A" further refines the bill by requiring school boards to notify parents and guardians about the device policy annually and by narrowing the types of personal devices that may be used for instructional purposes. The new definitions and restrictions are set to take effect on July 1, 2027, while a provision preventing school boards from using social media as the sole means of communication with students and parents will take effect on July 1, 2026. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the learning environment by reducing distractions from personal devices.

Statutes affected:
File No. 726: 10-233j