This bill amends the North Dakota Century Code regarding the use of personal electronic devices in schools that provide prekindergarten, elementary, or secondary education. It establishes a clear definition of "instructional time" and outlines the responsibilities of school districts to adopt policies that require personal electronic communication devices to be silenced or securely stowed away during this time. The bill specifies that students may not access these devices during instructional hours, although schools can allow access outside of this time during school-related activities. Additionally, it clarifies that students may possess or use these devices if deemed necessary for their health by a medical provider or required by their individual education program.

The bill also mandates that school districts collect data annually to assess the impact of their policies on various student outcomes, such as behavior and academic performance. New provisions require that once a policy is adopted, it must be communicated to students, parents, and caregivers, and published in relevant handbooks. Notably, the bill removes previous language that mandated the establishment of a uniform reporting system by a specific date, instead focusing on the implementation and communication of the policy.