The bill aims to improve student outcomes in Washington public schools by restricting the use of mobile devices during instructional hours. It highlights the negative impacts of mobile device usage, including distractions that lower academic performance and potential harm to mental health, particularly in the wake of challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. To address these issues, the legislature intends to implement strategies recommended by the office of the superintendent of public instruction, with the goal of creating a more focused and engaging learning environment starting in the 2026-27 school year.

To facilitate this, the bill establishes a new section in chapter 28A.600 RCW, mandating the office of the superintendent of public instruction to report by December 15, 2025, on existing policies and successful strategies for limiting mobile device use. The Washington state school directors' association is tasked with developing a model policy based on these recommendations, which must be publicly posted by March 15, 2026. By the beginning of the 2026-27 school year, each school district is required to adopt a policy consistent with the model, ensuring that it is communicated to students and their parents or guardians annually. The bill also defines "instructional hours" and "mobile device" for clarity in implementation.