Bill > HB06923

This bill requires local and regional boards of education to develop and implement policies restricting smart device usage in schools, effective July 1, 2025. The legislation defines a "smart device" as any cellular mobile telephone or portable technology capable of connecting to the Internet, collecting and transmitting data, and communicating with other devices and networks. Under the bill, school boards must adopt policies limiting smart device use based on guidance from the Department of Education, building upon existing regulations that already allow boards to restrict student possession of cellular mobile telephones. The existing law previously allowed principals to grant permission for students to possess paging devices only if they could establish a reasonable basis for such possession, and this new bill expands those guidelines to include a more comprehensive approach to managing smart device usage in educational settings. The bill aims to address potential distractions and privacy concerns while recognizing the potential needs of parents and students in maintaining communication.

Education

Education Committee (J)

https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB06923&which_year=2025