This bill amends existing law to authorize superintendents or their designees to permit the use of personal laptops and tablets in schools for specific educational purposes, exempting this use from current school cell phone policies. The amendment to RSA 189:1-a, V specifies that while school boards must develop policies prohibiting the use of personal communication devices during instructional time, exceptions can be made for students with medical needs, disabilities, or language proficiency needs. The new language clarifies that the superintendent or their designee may approve the use of personal laptops and tablets under direct teacher supervision.

Additionally, the bill modifies the terminology regarding student needs, changing "need" to "needs" to reflect a broader understanding of student requirements. It emphasizes that school policies must be developed in collaboration with parents and teachers and mandates an annual review of these policies. The act will take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 189:1-a
HB1129 text: 189:1-a