This bill mandates that school districts create and implement policies regarding the use of personal cell phones by students during school hours. Specifically, it introduces a new paragraph to RSA 189:1-a, which requires school boards to develop a policy that restricts student cell phone use during class instruction unless approved by an educator. The bill encourages districts to consider exceptions for cell phone use when educators incorporate devices into their lesson plans. Importantly, the policy must also ensure that students with disabilities are not prohibited from using their devices as outlined in their individualized education programs (IEP) or 504 plans.

The bill does not delete any existing legal language but adds this new requirement to enhance the management of cell phone use in educational settings. It is set to take effect 60 days after its passage, allowing school districts time to formulate and adopt the necessary policies.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 189:1-a