This bill mandates that all school districts and charter schools in New Mexico adopt and implement a policy regarding the use of wireless communication devices by students by August 1, 2025. The bill defines "wireless communication device" to include various portable electronic devices such as cellular phones, tablets, and laptops. The Public Education Department is tasked with providing guidelines that outline minimum requirements for these policies, which may include prohibiting device use during instructional hours, allowing usage for educational purposes, and ensuring protections for student privacy.
Additionally, the bill specifies that the policies must not restrict the use of assistive technologies or devices deemed medically necessary during instructional hours. Schools are required to publish their adopted policies on their websites, ensuring transparency and accessibility for students and parents. The legislation aims to create a structured approach to managing wireless communication devices in educational settings while accommodating the needs of students.