Bill > HB1034

This bill amends existing Indiana law regarding student cellular telephone and wireless communication device use in schools, establishing comprehensive new guidelines for device policies. The legislation redefines "school day" as the entire time a student is present on school property during an instructional day and expands the definition of "wireless communication device" to include smartwatches connected to cellular networks. Schools must now adopt policies that broadly prohibit student wireless device use during the school day, with two potential approaches: a complete "no device" policy where students cannot bring devices, or a "secure storage" policy where devices must be stored inaccessibly and returned only at day's end. The bill mandates that any educational device use must occur only on school-provided devices and creates specific exceptions for students with individualized education programs, Section 504 plans, documented medical needs, emergencies, and language translation requirements. Schools must publish their wireless communication device policies online, and the state's department of education is tasked with developing model policy language and implementation guidance. The new regulations are set to take effect on July 1, 2026, providing schools ample time to prepare and adapt their current policies.

Education

https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2026/bills/house/1034/details