The 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, turned off, and securely stored away during this time. The bill specifies that students may not have access to these devices during instructional time, although schools can allow or limit their use outside of this period during school-related activities. Additionally, it mandates that schools provide a means for students to contact their parents or caregivers during the school day using school telephones.
The legislation also includes provisions that allow exceptions for students who require personal electronic devices for health reasons or as part of their individual education programs. Furthermore, it requires school districts to collect data annually to assess the impact of their policies on various student outcomes, such as behavior and academic performance. New requirements are introduced for school districts to communicate their policies to students and parents and to publish them in handbooks, ensuring transparency and compliance with the new regulations.