Bill > HB781

This bill requires school districts in New Hampshire to develop and implement policies that restrict student cell phone use during class instruction, with specific provisions to ensure that students with unique needs are not unduly disadvantaged. The policy mandates that cell phone use be limited during classroom time, but allows for exceptions determined by the superintendent or their designee, particularly for students with medical needs (such as those using insulin pumps or glucose sensors), students with disabilities who require devices as specified in their Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 plan, and emergent multilingual students who need electronic devices to support their language access programs. The bill aims to create a more focused learning environment while maintaining flexibility for students with special requirements, and it is set to take effect on July 1, 2025. The legislation recognizes that while cell phones can be a distraction in educational settings, they can also be critical tools for some students' learning and health management, thus requiring a nuanced approach to their use in schools.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_status.aspx?lsr=0843&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=HB781