25.1182.02000
Sixty-ninth
Legislative Assembly
of North Dakota
Introduced by
Senators Axtman, Cleary, Sickler, Thomas
Representatives Bosch, O'Brien
A BILL for an Act to create and enact a new section to chapter 15.1-07 of the North Dakota
Century Code, relating to school district wireless communication device policies.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF NORTH DAKOTA:
SECTION 1. A new section to chapter 15.1-07 of the North Dakota Century Code is created
and enacted as follows:
Wireless communication device policy.
1.As used in this section, "wireless communication device" means a portable wireless
device with the capability to provide voice, messaging, or other data communication
between two or more parties, including a cell phone, tablet computer, laptop computer,
or gaming device.
2.Before January 1, 2027, a school district in coordination with the board of the school
district shall adopt and implement a wireless communication device policy that:
a.Except as provided in subdivisions b and c and subsection 3, minimizes or
prohibits a student from using a wireless communication device during school
hours;
b.Authorizes a teacher to allow a student to use a wireless communication device
for educational purposes during instructional time;
c.Permits a student to use a wireless communication device to manage the
student's health care, as determined by a licensed physician;
d.Is consistent across grade levels; and
e.Promotes evidence-based smartphone practices to support student learning and
well-being.
3.The policy under subsection 2 may not prohibit a student from using a wireless
communication device during school hours if the use of the wireless communication
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Legislative Assembly
device is included in the student's individualized education program or plan developed
under section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 [29 U.S.C. 794].
4.A school district shall:
a.Solicit input from stakeholders to develop the policy under subsection 2 to ensure
the policy is responsive to the unique needs and desires of students, parents,
and educators in the community.
b.Publish on its website the wireless communication device policy.
c.Annually review and update policies based on emerging research and data
regarding wireless communication device use in schools.
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