This bill mandates that school districts develop and implement policies regarding student cell phone use during school hours. Specifically, it introduces a new paragraph to RSA 189:1-a, which requires school boards to create a comprehensive policy that defines personal device usage for students. The policy must be school-wide, with exceptions made for students with medical needs, disabilities, or language proficiency requirements. Additionally, the policy must be formulated in collaboration with teachers and parents, and it should be reviewed and updated annually. Importantly, the bill ensures that students with disabilities are not prohibited from using devices that support their learning as outlined in their individualized education programs (IEPs) or other relevant plans.

The bill also includes provisions for the administration's involvement in cases where the policies are not enforced or are disregarded by students. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage. The fiscal impact of this legislation is noted as indeterminable, with potential costs varying by district, but it is estimated that there will be no immediate local revenue or expenditures in the first few fiscal years following its implementation.

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