Bill > HB525

This bill, known as the Maryland Phone-Free Schools Act, requires each county board of education to establish and implement a policy by the 2027-2028 school year that limits student use of electronic communication devices, defined as any portable device used to receive, send, or record voice, image, or text content, during the academic school day, which encompasses all structured and unstructured learning experiences from the first bell to the last. The policy must generally prohibit student use of these devices and require them to be stored, and also restrict the use of social media applications and websites during school hours, though personal devices can be used for educational purposes if a school-issued device is unavailable and administrator approval is obtained. Importantly, the policy cannot restrict device use for purposes outlined in a student's individualized education program or 504 plan, to address documented health issues, during emergencies if authorized by an administrator, for educational purposes when directed by an administrator, to access language translation tools for multilingual students when school devices are insufficient, or for caregiving duties with principal approval. County boards must involve parents, students, educators, and community members in policy development, make the policy publicly available in multiple languages, and include disciplinary measures for violations that do not involve suspension or expulsion solely for a policy infraction. Furthermore, county boards will report on the impacts of their policies annually until 2032, and the Department of Education will compile and publish these reports annually until 2033.

Budget and Finance

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0525?ys=2026RS