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Bill > HB0932

TN HB0932

TN HB0932
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, relative to communication devices at schools.

summary

Introduced
02/04/2025
In Committee
02/25/2025
Crossed Over
03/04/2025
Passed
03/13/2025
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
04/04/2025

Introduced Session

114th General Assembly

Bill Summary

As enacted, requires local boards of education and public charter school governing bodies to adopt a policy to prohibit students from using wireless communication devices during instructional time, except in certain circumstances; makes related changes. - Amends TCA Title 49.

AI Summary

This bill requires local education boards and public charter schools to develop and implement a comprehensive policy governing students' use of wireless communication devices (like cell phones, tablets, laptops, and gaming devices) during school hours. The policy must generally prohibit device use during instructional time, with specific exceptions: teachers can allow device use for educational purposes, students can use devices in emergencies or to manage their health, and students with disabilities can use devices according to their individualized education plans (IEPs), 504 plans, or individual learning plans, or for assistive technology. The policy must also establish a communication process to ensure parents can be notified of emergencies even with restricted device access. Additionally, the bill allows teachers to temporarily confiscate wireless communication devices from students who do not comply with the school's device policy. The new regulations will take effect for the 2025-2026 school year, giving schools time to develop and implement the required policies, with each local education agency (LEA) and public charter school required to publish their specific wireless communication device policy on their website.

Committee Categories

Education

Sponsors (42)

Becky Jo Alexander (R)*,  Fred Atchley (R),  Jody Barrett (R),  Rush Bricken (R),  Jeff Burkhart (R),  Scott Cepicky (R),  Elaine Davis (R),  Rick Eldridge (R),  Ronnie Glynn (D),  Yusuf Hakeem (D),  Michael Hale (R),  G.A. Hardaway (D),  David Hawk (R),  Esther Helton (R),  Caleb Hemmer (D),  Gary Hicks (R),  Tim Hicks (R),  Dan Howell (R),  Chris Hurt (R),  Renea Jones (R),  Doc Kumar (R),  William Lamberth (R),  Aron Maberry (R),  Pat Marsh (R),  Brock Martin (R),  Jake McCalmon (R),  Kevin Raper (R),  Jay Reedy (R),  Lee Reeves (R),  Richard Scarbrough (R),  Paul Sherrell (R),  William Slater (R),  Mike Sparks (R),  Tom Stinnett (R),  Bryan Terry (R),  Chris Todd (R),  Ron Travis (R),  Greg Vital (R),  Mark White (R),  Ryan Williams (R),  Dave Wright (R),  Jason Zachary (R), 

Last Action

Effective date(s) 07/01/2025 (on 04/04/2025)
(1 Companion Bills)

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