AN ACT to amend and reenact the new section to chapter 15.1-07 of the North Dakota Century Code, as created by House Bill No. 1160, as approved by the sixty-ninth legislative assembly, relating to the use of personal electronic devices in schools providing prekindergarten, elementary, or secondary education.
What changed between versions
Device policy requirements were strengthened to mandate that devices be silenced, turned off, or securely locked away during instructional time, with specific examples of acceptable storage methods like phone lockers and secure pouches.
New definitions were added for 'instructional time,' 'parent,' 'school-related activity,' and 'school' to clarify when restrictions apply and what facilities are covered.
The definition of 'personal electronic communication device' was expanded to include smartwatches, wearable devices, and gaming devices, while explicitly excluding school-owned and medical devices.
New provisions require schools to include enforcement provisions in their policies and mandate annual data collection on student behavior, mental health, and academic performance to measure policy impact.
The deadline for adopting device policies was changed from August 1, 2026, to align with the new policy implementation requirements, and a uniform reporting system must be established by July 1, 2026.
Exemptions for device use were expanded to include situations where a medical provider determines the device is necessary for a student's health, or when required by individual education programs under federal disability laws.
