Wireless communication device policy.

Removed a temporary phase-in period (expiring July 1, 2028) for using school-supplied devices for educational purposes; the requirement now applies immediately to all schools.

Clarified that the 'secure storage' policy must ensure devices are both stored away and inaccessible to students throughout the school day.

Narrowed the exception for medical conditions to require an order from a health care provider who is specifically licensed in Indiana.

Added a formal Committee Report section detailing the specific amendments made by the Education and Career Development Committee.

Added a new definition for 'school sanctioned wireless communication device' to distinguish between devices owned by students and those supplied by the school.

Introduced a two-year transition period (until July 1, 2028) where schools may use either school-supplied or school-sanctioned devices for educational purposes, after which only school-supplied devices will be permitted.

Updated the secure storage policy requirement to explicitly state that devices must be powered off and inaccessible to students throughout the school day.

Added a new exception permitting students to use unobtrusive audio recording devices solely for personal notetaking or learning assistance, provided they do not capture images or video.

Added a requirement that teacher-directed educational use of wireless devices must occur only on school-supplied devices.

Added a new mandate requiring school corporations and charter schools to publish their wireless communication device policies on their websites.

Updated the bill number from SB 78.2 to SB 78.3 and revised the digest and reprint dates to reflect the latest legislative actions.

The requirement for secure storage policies was modified to add a new option allowing devices to remain in student lockers or backpacks, with optional limited use during passing periods or for academic purposes when directed by a teacher.

The exception for medical device use was modified to require an order from a licensed health care provider instead of a general physician directive.

The exception for language translation was modified to explicitly prioritize school-managed wireless communication devices or applications where available.

A new subsection was added to provide civil immunity for schools and personnel acting in good faith to comply with the wireless communication device policy, excluding acts of gross negligence or willful misconduct.