HB 13 - SB 10
FISCAL NOTE
Fiscal Review Committee
Tennessee General Assembly
December 23, 2024
Fiscal Analyst: Alan Hampton | Email: alan.hampton@capitol.tn.gov | Phone: 615-741-2564
HB 13 - SB 10
SUMMARY OF BILL: Requires each local board of education and public charter school
governing body to adopt and implement a wireless communication device policy for students and to
publish the policy on its website. Specifies the conditions for the allowable usage of a wireless
communication device in the classroom. Authorizes a teacher to withhold a student’s wireless
communication device in certain circumstances.
FISCAL IMPACT:
NOT SIGNIFICANT
Assumptions:
• The proposed legislation defines “wireless communication device” as a portable wireless
device that has the capability to provide voice, messaging, or other data communication
between two or more parties, including, but not limited to: cellular phones, tablet
computers, laptop computers, and gaming devices.
• Tennessee Code Annotated § 49-6-4002(h) authorizes a student discipline policy or code of
conduct to allow a teacher to withhold a student's phone from the student for the duration
of the instructional time if the student’s phone is a distraction to the class or student.
• The proposed legislation authorizes a teacher to withhold wireless communication devices,
as opposed to only phones, if the student is noncompliant with the adopted wireless
communication device policy.
• Local boards of education and public charter schools will be able to update and publish
their policies to comply with the proposed legislation with existing staff and resources; any
fiscal impact is estimated to be not significant.
CERTIFICATION:
The information contained herein is true and correct to the best of my knowledge.
Bojan Savic, Executive Director