House Bill 2003 aims to regulate the use of personal electronic devices, such as cell phones and tablets, in West Virginia classrooms. The bill establishes a new section in the Code of West Virginia, specifically 18-2-46, which outlines the negative impacts of personal electronic devices on the classroom environment, including distractions and mental health concerns. It mandates that county boards of education develop policies to limit the use of these devices during instructional time, with specific definitions provided for terms like "personal electronic device," "instructional day," and "classroom setting."

The bill requires that county policies address whether personal electronic devices will be allowed on school property, how they will be stored if permitted, and the consequences for violations of the policy. Exemptions are included for students with documented needs, such as those outlined in Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) or medical orders. Additionally, the bill emphasizes the importance of communication between parents and schools regarding acceptable use and outlines the need for schools to document violations in the West Virginia Education Information System (WVEIS). The bill also includes a severability clause to ensure that if any part of the policy is deemed invalid, the remaining provisions will still be enforceable.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18-2-46
Committee Substitute: 18-2-46
Committee Substitute for the Committee Substitute: 18-2-46
Engrossed Committee Substitute for the Committee Substitute: 18-2-46
Enrolled Version: 18-2-46