This bill mandates that school districts develop and adopt policies regarding student cell phone use in schools, specifically requiring restrictions on personal cell phone usage during class instruction unless approved by an educator. The new legal language inserted into RSA 189:1-a establishes that school boards must create these policies, while also ensuring that students with disabilities are not prohibited from using devices that support their learning as outlined in their individualized education programs (IEP) or 504 plans.

Additionally, the bill includes an appropriation of $250,000 from the general fund for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, to reimburse school districts for the costs associated with implementing these cell phone use policies. The governor is authorized to draw from any unappropriated funds, and the appropriated funds are designated as nonlapsing. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and while it does not provide funding for new positions, it is anticipated that the Department of Education may require a temporary program specialist to manage reimbursement requests.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 189:1-a
HB781 text: 189:1-a