Bill > SB206

This bill requires public school districts to develop and adopt comprehensive policies regulating student cell phone use during the school day. The policies must be created collaboratively with teachers and parents, reviewed and updated annually, and include specific guidelines for personal device usage. Importantly, the bill mandates that policies cannot completely prohibit cell phone use for students with special needs, such as those with disabilities who may require devices as part of their Individualized Education Program (IEP) or students learning English who need language support services. The policy must also outline how school administration will handle situations where cell phone use policies are not followed in classrooms. The bill recognizes the need for exceptions based on medical requirements, disability accommodations, or language proficiency needs, ensuring that students' individual needs are not overlooked. The new policy will take effect 60 days after its passage, giving school districts time to develop and implement their specific guidelines. While the bill aims to limit smartphone use, it seeks to do so in a balanced and nuanced manner that respects students' diverse learning needs.

Education

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_docket.aspx?lsr=1036&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=SB206