Bill > HB1055

This bill grants the state board of education the authority to create rules regarding student cell phone and personal electronic device usage in schools. Specifically, the bill requires school boards and charter school boards to develop policies that generally prohibit personal communication device use during the school day, with exceptions for students with medical needs (such as those using insulin pumps or glucose sensors), disabilities, or language proficiency requirements. The existing law is amended to explicitly state that the state board of education may adopt administrative rules (through the RSA 541-A process) about cell phone usage in schools. The policy must be developed collaboratively with parents and teachers, reviewed annually, and cannot prevent students from using devices that support their medical, disability, or language access needs, as outlined in specific federal laws like the Rehabilitation Act and Civil Rights Act. The bill will take effect immediately upon passage, giving the state board of education new rulemaking power to standardize and guide cell phone policies across school districts.

Education

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_Status/billinfo.aspx?id=1705&inflect=2