Bill > HF782

This bill requires Iowa school districts to develop and implement policies restricting student use of personal electronic devices during classroom instructional time, starting in the 2025-2026 school year. The bill mandates that school district policies must address several key areas, including: identifying available educational devices, establishing communication methods for parents during school hours and emergencies, creating protocols for securely storing electronic devices, specifying disciplinary actions for policy violations, and establishing a petition process for parents who believe their child needs device access due to health reasons. The policies will automatically exempt students with individualized education programs or 504 plans that require device access. The bill defines personal electronic devices broadly to include mobile phones, smartphones, video game devices, and portable media players. Additionally, the bill requires the Department of Education to develop model policies by May 1, 2025, and mandates that school districts update their emergency operations plans by July 1, 2025, to align with the new electronic device regulations. The legislation takes effect immediately upon enactment and gives school districts flexibility to create even more stringent device restrictions if they choose.

Education (House)

https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=HF782