25.1182.04000
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 personal electronic 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:
Personal electronic device policy.
1.As used in this section, " 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 August 1, 2026, a school district in coordination with the board of the school
district shall adopt and implement a 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 personal electronic device during school hours;
b.Authorizes a teacher to allow a student to use a personal electronic device for
educational purposes during instructional time;
c.Permits a student to use a personal electronic device to manage the student's
health care, as documented by a licensed 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.
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22 Sixty-ninth
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3.The policy under subsection 2 may not prohibit a student from using a personal
electronic device during school hours if the use of the personal electronic device is
included in the student's individualized education program 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 personal electronic device policy.
d.Annually review and update policies based on emerging research and data
regarding personal electronic device use in schools.
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