H959 - Various Education Changes. (SL 2025-38)

Overview: Section 3 of S.L. 2025‑38 (House Bill 959) requires governing bodies of public school units to establish a wireless communication policy that prohibits students from using, displaying, or having a wireless communication device turned on during instructional time, except in the following circumstances:

• If authorized by a teacher for educational purposes or for use in the event of an emergency.
• As required by the student's individualized education program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan.
• As required to manage a student's health care, in accordance with a documented medical condition.

The governing body is required to establish the consequences of violations of the policy, which can include confiscation of the wireless communication device and disciplinary measures under the public school unit's Code of Student Conduct.

Each governing body is required to submit its policy to the Department of Public Instruction (DPI). DPI must annually report by October 1 to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee on the number of public school units that are in compliance with this requirement and provide a list of any units that are not.

This section became effective July 1, 2025. Governing bodies must adopt the policy by no later than January 1, 2026.