Bill > H0225

This bill establishes the School Mobile Device Policy Fund to help Idaho school districts and public charter schools reduce mobile device use during school hours. The legislation stems from legislative findings that mobile devices negatively impact student learning and mental health, causing significant distractions and potential harm. The bill creates a grant program to assist schools in adopting "bell-to-bell" mobile device policies, which restrict student device access from the start to the end of the school day, with limited exceptions for educational or health purposes. Schools can apply for grants to purchase equipment like phone storage systems, and must demonstrate financial need and a comprehensive policy. The State Board of Education will manage the fund, review applications, and compile data on the policy's effectiveness by tracking metrics such as suspensions, expulsions, test scores, and grade point averages. The fund will sunset on July 1, 2028, and the act becomes effective on July 1, 2025. The goal is to minimize mobile device distractions and potentially improve student academic and mental health outcomes by creating structured limitations on device use during school hours.

Budget and Finance, Education

Education Committee (H)

https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2025/legislation/H0225/