House File 782 amends Iowa law to establish guidelines for the use of personal electronic devices in schools, particularly during instructional hours. The bill mandates that by May 1, 2025, the Department of Education will develop and distribute model policies to school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools. These policies must address the responsibilities of these institutions under section 279.87, which includes restrictions on student use of personal electronic devices during classroom time, methods for parental communication, and protocols for securely storing devices. Additionally, the bill allows for exceptions based on a student's health needs or individualized education programs.

The legislation also requires school districts to revise their emergency operations plans to align with the new policies regarding electronic device usage by July 1, 2025. The state board of education is empowered to adopt rules to administer these provisions. The bill emphasizes the importance of maintaining a safe and focused educational environment while providing necessary accommodations for students who may require access to their devices for legitimate reasons. The act is effective immediately upon enactment.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 256.9
Enrolled: 256.9