The proposed bill amends the North Dakota Century Code to establish new regulations regarding the use of personal electronic devices in schools. It creates a new section under chapter 15.1-07, which outlines definitions for terms such as "instructional time," "personal electronic communication device," and "school-related activity." The bill mandates that each school district adopt a policy requiring personal electronic devices to be silenced or turned off and securely stored during instructional time. It also allows schools to set limitations on device access outside of instructional time and includes provisions for students to contact parents using school telephones.
Additionally, the bill specifies exceptions for students who require personal electronic devices for medical reasons or as part of their individual education programs. It emphasizes the need for enforcement provisions to ensure compliance with the policy and mandates that school districts collect data annually to assess the impact of these regulations on student behavior and academic performance. The bill aims to create a structured environment that balances the use of technology with educational priorities.