This bill mandates that school districts and chartered public schools establish policies to create a cell phone-free educational environment. Specifically, it amends RSA 189:1-a by adding a new paragraph that requires school boards and chartered public school trustees to develop and adopt a policy that prohibits the use of personal communication devices, including cell phones, from the start of instructional time until the end of the academic day. The policy must allow for exceptions based on medical, disability, or language proficiency needs, as determined by the superintendent or their designee. Additionally, the policy must be developed in collaboration with parents and teachers and reviewed annually.

The bill also specifies that students with medical needs or disabilities, as outlined in their individualized education programs (IEPs) or other relevant plans, are exempt from the prohibition on device use. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025. The fiscal impact of this legislation is indeterminable, as it will vary by district, with no expected changes in local revenue but potential changes in local expenditures.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 189:1-a
As Amended by the Senate: 189:1-a
As Amended by the House: 189:1-a