This bill proposes the creation of a new section in chapter 15.1-07 of the North Dakota Century Code, which mandates that school districts develop and implement a personal electronic device policy by August 1, 2026. The policy must minimize or prohibit student use of personal electronic devices during school hours, with exceptions for educational purposes as authorized by teachers, for managing health care as documented by a licensed provider, and for students with individualized education programs. Additionally, the policy should be consistent across grade levels and promote evidence-based smartphone practices to support student learning and well-being.

Furthermore, the bill requires school districts to engage stakeholders in the policy development process, ensure the security of personal electronic devices, publish the policy on their websites, and conduct annual reviews based on emerging research. To support these initiatives, the bill appropriates $300,000 from the state general fund to the Department of Public Instruction for the acquisition of secure storage containers for students' personal electronic devices, with funding available for the biennium from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027.