Pupils: use of smartphones.

Removed Section 1 which stated the Legislature's intent to enact subsequent legislation establishing a statewide policy to limit the use of internet-connected devices by pupils during instructional time at local educational agencies.

Added a new Section 1 as a legislative finding and declaration that schools are encouraged to improve access to media literacy through classes, extracurricular opportunities, open tech days, and other options to encourage responsible and safe use of technology.

Changed the policy requirement from mandating that the policy 'shall be' either a schedule-based restriction policy or a full-day restriction policy, to stating the policy 'may include, but is not limited to,' those two types. This gives local educational agencies broader discretion in how they structure smartphone restrictions.

Reversed the fiscal committee designation from yes to no and the state-mandated local program designation from yes to no, indicating the amended bill is no longer treated as imposing a reimbursable state mandate on local agencies.

School districts, county offices of education, and charter schools must adopt either a full-day restriction policy or a schedule-based restriction policy to limit or prohibit pupil smartphone use by July 1, 2026, updated every five years.

Policy development must involve significant stakeholder participation to ensure policies are responsive to the needs of pupils, parents, and educators in each community.

Two new policy types defined: 'full-day restriction policy' (prohibits smartphone use during the entire schoolday including instruction, lunch, free periods, and passing time) and 'schedule-based restriction policy' (prohibits use at certain times like instruction but permits limited use at other times like breaks or lunch).

Four exceptions where pupils may still possess or use a smartphone: emergencies or perceived threats of danger, when a teacher or administrator grants permission, when a physician determines it is necessary for the pupil's health or well-being, and when required in an individualized education program.

A privacy protection clause was added stating that the section does not authorize monitoring, collecting, or otherwise accessing any information related to a pupil's online activities.

A state mandates reimbursement provision (new Section 2) was added requiring the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for costs mandated by the bill, if determined by the Commission on State Mandates.

Fiscal committee review changed from 'no' to 'yes' and state-mandated local program changed from 'no' to 'yes', reflecting the new binding obligations imposed on local agencies.

The bill's scope expanded from a non-binding statement of legislative intent to an enforceable amendment of Education Code Section 48901.7 imposing specific policy obligations on local educational agencies. The original intent statement about future internet-connected device legislation was retained but renumbered.