A bill for an act
 relating to education; requiring the Department of Education to adopt a model
policy for cell phones in schools; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota
Statutes, chapter 121A.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

new text begin [121A.73] SCHOOL CELL PHONE POLICY.
 new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Model policy. new text end

new text begin The Department of Education must develop a model policy
on students' possession and use of cell phones in school. The department must identify best
practices for limiting the use of cell phones on school grounds, prohibiting the use of cell
phones during instructional time, and storing student cell phones during instructional time.
The department must also include language in the model policy that implements the best
practices.
 new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin District policy. new text end

new text begin The board of a school district or charter school may adopt a
district policy on students' possession and use of cell phones. A board may adopt the model
policy developed under subdivision 1. If adopted, the policy must be included in the student
handbook on school policies and posted on the district or charter school website.
 new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
 new text end