This bill requires public school districts to create policies prohibiting student cell phone use during instructional time, directly affecting K-12 students in Massachusetts public schools. The key provision mandates that school policies must ban phones unless a teacher specifically directs their use for learning. It amends existing law to require this policy as a standard practice in all public schools. The change focuses on classroom management by establishing a clear, district-level requirement for phone restrictions.
This bill requires all public schools to create and implement two specific policies. First, schools must establish a device policy prohibiting student access to personal electronic devices (like phones or tablets) during the school day, except for special education plans, emergencies, or administrator approval. Second, schools must develop a social media education policy teaching students about the risks of social media use, including emotional and physical impacts. Schools must notify parents about both policies and file them with the state education department, which will provide public guidance to help schools create effective policies. The bill directly affects public school students, parents, and school districts across the state.
By Mr. Fernandes, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 35) of Dylan A. Fernandes and Michael D. Brady for legislation to promote employee physical and mental health and wellbeing by limiting the use of electronic monitoring tools. Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity.
This bill requires all Massachusetts public school districts to implement a "pouch system" that restricts student use of personal electronic devices (like phones, tablets, and smartwatches) during the school day. Schools must store devices in lockable pouches upon student arrival, with staff unlocking pouches only at day's end or when authorized for specific educational purposes. Each district must create and annually submit a written policy for department review, including minimum requirements for device storage and authorized use. The policy directly affects all K-12 students and school staff across Massachusetts public schools.
This bill prohibits the manufacture, sale, or operation of robotic devices (like drones) equipped with weapons (e.g., guns, lasers, explosives), with penalties including mandatory minimum prison sentences. It also bans using robots to threaten, harass, or physically restrain people. Key exemptions include military/defense uses (Department of Defense, National Guard, defense contractors under specific waivers) and law enforcement actions for bomb disposal, property destruction in emergencies, or training. The bill requires law enforcement to obtain warrants for robot deployments on private property or for surveillance, document all uses quarterly, and report publicly. It also allows civil lawsuits for violations and mandates public reporting of law enforcement robot usage.
This bill requires public schools and districts to adopt policies restricting personal electronic device use during school hours and school activities to reduce distractions and support learning. The state education department must provide a model policy including secure device storage options, methods for parents to contact students during the day (including emergencies), and enforcement rules that prevent unfair discipline. Schools must file their adopted policies annually by September 1, with exceptions for students with disabilities, health accommodations, or emergencies. The policy must not lead to student expulsion or suspension solely for device use violations.
