Tennessee House Bill HB2758

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/24
• Refer: 2/5/24
• Refer: 2/20/24
• Failed: 3/20/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, relative to electronic devices.

Impact

If enacted, HB2758 would impact policies related to student behavior and device usage across Tennessee schools. Each LEA and charter school would be required to develop their own policies to conform to this law, addressing detailed guidelines on exceptions and further prohibitions on devices in specific areas. Such a law could lead to significant changes in how technology is integrated into daily school activities and the extent to which students are allowed to use personal electronic devices for educational or recreational purposes during school hours.

Summary

House Bill 2758 aims to amend the Tennessee Code Annotated relevant to the use of electronic devices in educational settings. Specifically, the bill stipulates that local education agencies (LEAs) and public charter schools must prohibit students from displaying, using, or accessing electronic devices during instructional time, with exceptions only for devices provided by the school for educational purposes. This legislation is intended to foster a more focused learning environment and minimize distractions caused by personal electronic devices in classrooms, libraries, and examination halls.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB2758 appears to be mixed. Proponents argue that restricting electronic device usage is a necessary step to combat distractions in the classroom and enhance student focus during instructional time. They believe that by minimizing phone and tablet usage, learning outcomes may improve. Conversely, opponents raise concerns about the potential overreach of the legislation, questioning the practical implications of such prohibitions on students' access to educational resources and communication with parents during school hours. This divergence illustrates the contention between fostering discipline in schools and ensuring access to educational tools.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the balance between maintaining student focus and allowing for the safe and reasonable use of technology in educational contexts. Critics fear that overly strict regulations could hinder students' ability to utilize educational technology effectively, particularly in a technology-driven world. Furthermore, discussions on emergency situations where students might need to access devices could lead to disagreements on the specifics of the bill's implementation, ultimately influencing public perception and legislative support.