Bill > H2028

This bill amends Massachusetts law to protect student privacy by limiting the conditions under which school employees or third parties can access data or content on a student's personal technological device. The bill defines "personal device" as a device owned or possessed by the student, and "technological device" as any computer, phone, camera, or other electronic device. Schools can limit or prohibit student possession or use of certain personal devices, but violations of these rules cannot be the sole basis for searching the device. Searches of personal devices located on school property require reasonable suspicion of a separate code of conduct violation, advance notice to the student and parent, and strict limits on the scope of the search. Searches for suspected criminal conduct require a judicial warrant. The bill also allows access to a student's device in response to an imminent threat to life or safety, with a requirement to provide a written description of the threat and data accessed within 72 hours.

Education

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/H2028