25.1182.02001
Title.03000
Adopted by the Education Committee
Sixty-ninth
February 10, 2025
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 communicationpersonal electronic device
policies; and to provide an appropriation.
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 Personal electronic device policy.
1.As used in this section, " wireless communication personal electronic 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 August 1, 2026 , a school district in coordination with the board
of the school district shall adopt and implement a wireless communication personal
electronic 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 personal electronic
device during school hours;
b.Authorizes a teacher to allow a student to use a wireless communication personal
electronic device for educational purposes during instructional time;
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SENATE BILL NO. 2354
PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO
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c.Permits a student to use a wireless communication personal electronic device to
manage the student's health care, as determined documented by a licensed
physician treating provider or in accordance with an individual health plan ;
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 personal electronic device during school hours if the use of the wireless
communication personal electronic device is included in the student's individualized
education program or in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
[29 U.S.C. 1400], a plan developed under section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act
of 1973 [29 U.S.C. 794] , or any other applicable law .
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.Ensure the policy carefully considers the retention of possession and security
against loss or theft of the personal electronic devices.
c. Publish on its website the wireless communication personal electronic device
policy.
c. d . Annually review and update policies based on emerging research and data
regarding wireless communication personal electronic device use in schools.
5. The superintendent of public instruction shall identify and provide information on
approved secure storage containers to the re questing school districts.
SECTION 2. APPROPRIATION - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION - ONE-TIME
FUNDING. There is appropriated out of any moneys in the general fund in the state treasury,
not otherwise appropriated, the sum of $300,000, or so much of the sum as may be necessary,
to the superintendent of public instruction for the purpose of providing funds to a school district
upon the request of the board of a school district to acquire approved secure containers to store
each student's personal electronic device, in accordance with the established school district
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plan, for the biennium beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2027. The funding provided
in this section is considered a one time funding item.
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