The bill would create grants for state education agencies to help public schools store students’ personal electronic devices securely. To qualify, a state would need a policy that prohibits students from possessing or using personal devices during school hours. The policy could allow exceptions for health needs, disabilities, certain English learners, and other students as determined by the state. School-authorized laptops or tablets used only for instruction and blocked from nonacademic uses would not count as personal devices under the bill.
Students in public schools could be required to store personal devices during school hours in states that receive grants. Exceptions could apply in certain circumstances. Schools and districts would be allowed to set more restrictive rules. States would also need to allow schools and districts to make arrangements for parents to share routine or time-sensitive messages with students or school staff.
The bill authorizes such sums as may be necessary, but does not set a specific amount. Grant funds would be used to obtain secure device storage, such as lockable lockers, lock boxes, or signal-blocking pouches.
No publicly available information.
No publicly available information.