This bill establishes a one-year pilot program within the Department of Education (DOE) to evaluate the academic and mental health benefits of using lockable cell phone pouches in public schools for students in grades six through twelve. School districts interested in participating must submit an application that includes details such as the number of middle and high schools, student enrollment figures, and a proposal for implementing the program, including emergency notification procedures for parents or guardians. The Commissioner of Education will select two districts from each of the northern, central, and southern regions of New Jersey, ensuring a diverse representation of urban, suburban, and rural areas. Additionally, districts already using lockable cell phone pouches may participate, provided they are not receiving other grants for this purpose.

The bill also mandates that the Commissioner provide guidance and training to participating districts on the use of the pouches. Following the pilot program, the Commissioner is required to submit a report to the Governor and the Legislature within 120 days, assessing the program's effectiveness in enhancing academic success and mental health outcomes, along with recommendations for future use of the pouches. To support this initiative, the bill appropriates $500,000 from the General Fund to the DOE.