Bill > H574

This bill establishes comprehensive regulations for mobile device usage in public schools by defining various types of electronic devices and creating strict guidelines for their use during the school day. The bill requires school districts to develop policies that generally prohibit students from using cellphones, mobile electronic devices, smart watches, or emerging technologies during school hours, with specific exceptions for urgent situations such as health threats, individualized education plan accommodations, medical necessities, and certain needs of English learner students. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is authorized to create model policies that may include limiting device use to specific time periods or locations, and potentially requiring students to store devices in designated areas like the front of the classroom or in secure containers. Additionally, the bill establishes a grant program to help school districts purchase equipment like magnetic locking pouches to support device management, with DESE developing criteria for grant applications, awards, and program evaluation. The department is required to promulgate implementing regulations within 180 days of the act's effective date, ensuring a structured approach to managing mobile device usage in educational settings while maintaining flexibility for reasonable exceptions.

Education

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H574