Bill > HF2516

This bill requires all Minnesota school districts and charter schools to adopt a cell phone policy by March 15, 2025, with specific restrictions on cell phone and smart watch use for different grade levels. Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, schools must prohibit cell phones and smart watches for students in kindergarten through 8th grade, and prohibit cell phones in classrooms for high school students (grades 9-12). The policy allows exceptions for medical devices, individualized education program (IEP) accommodations, and other principal-approved situations. Additionally, the bill appropriates funding for two key initiatives: a statewide campaign to educate parents and caregivers about the negative effects of screen overuse on children, and implementation grants to help schools develop and enforce their new cell phone policies. The grants are intended for one-time expenses related to policy implementation, such as technology or training, but cannot be used for ongoing employee salaries. The Minnesota Elementary School Principals' Association and Minnesota Association of Secondary School Principals are also tasked with developing best practices to minimize the impact of cell phones on student behavior, mental health, and academic performance.

Education

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF2516&ssn=0&y=2025