SB 1014: An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in student supports, providing for bell-to-bell mobile device policy. - Pennsylvania

Printer's No. PN1647 → Printer's No. PN1697 · 4 edits

MODERATE

This bill update clarifies that school policies must be posted online within five business days of adoption or amendment, rather than immediately. It also adds a specific definition for 'mobile device' to include gaming and video capabilities, while explicitly excluding standard smartwatches with disabled internet features. Additionally, the text corrects the legislative history references to reflect the latest printer's number and amending date.

Scope change

The bill's scope regarding policy definitions and posting timelines has been clarified, and the applicability of the 'mobile device' definition has been narrowed to exclude specific types of smartwatches.

REQUIREMENT

Changed the requirement for posting school mobile device policies to allow up to five business days after adoption or amendment, removing the previous requirement for immediate posting.

DEFINITION

Added a detailed definition of 'mobile device' that includes devices capable of gaming or video playback.

Added an exclusion stating that standard smartwatches with disabled Wi-Fi and data are not considered mobile devices under this bill.

TECHNICAL

Updated the header and legislative history to reflect the new printer's number (PN 1697) and the second consideration amending date (May 6, 2026).

Printer's No. PN1421 → Printer's No. PN1647 · 7 edits

MODERATE

The bill was amended to expand its scope by explicitly including private, parochial, and nonpublic schools in addition to public school districts. The policy requirements were strengthened to mandate a complete ban on mobile devices during the school day, with specific new exceptions for English learners and situations where a teacher deems a device necessary for instruction. The amendment also clarifies that the policy must be posted online and submitted to the Department of Education within five business days of adoption.

Scope change

The bill's applicability was expanded to include private schools, parochial schools, and nonpublic schools, whereas the previous version primarily focused on public school entities.

SCOPE

Explicitly added private schools, parochial schools, and nonpublic schools to the list of entities required to adopt the mobile device policy.

REQUIREMENT

Added a specific exception allowing mobile device use for English learners for translation or ESL purposes.

Added a new exception permitting teachers to approve mobile device use for instructional purposes if a school-issued device is unavailable.

Changed the exception request process from a pre-approval system to a post-event notification system that must be submitted within five days.

Added a requirement to inform parents, teachers, and students of the policy and any changes at the beginning of each school year.

DEFINITION

Expanded the definition of 'school entity' to include private and nonpublic schools and added a detailed definition for 'mobile device'.

Updated the definition of 'chief school administrator' to include the governing body of a nonpublic or private school.

Printer's No. PN1352 → Printer's No. PN1421 · 5 edits

MODERATE

This bill update shifts the deadline for schools to adopt mobile device policies from the 2026-2027 school year to the 2027-2028 school year. It adds a specific exemption clause stating that schools are not required to confiscate student phones and limits liability for staff who handle devices in good faith. The revision also clarifies definitions for key terms like 'mobile device' and 'principal' while adding a new process for principals to request temporary exceptions to the phone-free policy.

Scope change

The bill's scope remains focused on public school mobile device policies, but the applicability timeline was extended by one year, and the enforcement mechanisms were modified to explicitly prohibit mandatory confiscation.

TIMELINE

The deadline for schools to adopt a mobile device policy was delayed from the start of the 2026-2027 school year to the start of the 2027-2028 school year.

REQUIREMENT

A new provision explicitly states that schools are not required to take possession of a student's mobile device and limits liability for staff who secure devices in good faith.

A new subsection allows school principals to request temporary exceptions to the phone-free policy from the chief school administrator for specific, limited circumstances.

DEFINITION

The definition of 'mobile device' was updated to be more specific about device capabilities, and the definition of 'principal' was expanded to include assistant principals, vice principals, and special education supervisors.

A new definition for 'chief school administrator' was added to clarify who has the authority to approve exceptions to the policy.

Printer's No. PN1227 → Printer's No. PN1352 · 5 edits

MODERATE

This bill updates the Pennsylvania mobile device policy to apply to the 2027-2028 school year instead of 2026-2027. It expands the list of bill sponsors, adds students as a required group for public comment, and clarifies that any contact method provided to parents must be staffed during the school day. The definition of 'mobile device' was expanded to include various digital activities like gaming and video streaming, while the definition of 'Individualized Education Plan' was slightly modified to include the word 'PROGRAM'.

Scope change

The bill's effective date was delayed by one academic year, and the scope of public engagement was broadened to explicitly include students.

TIMELINE

The deadline for school entities to adopt the mobile device policy was extended from the start of the 2026-2027 school year to the start of the 2027-2028 school year.

REQUIREMENT

Schools are now required to solicit feedback from students, in addition to parents and employees, when creating or amending mobile device policies.

The requirement for a staffed phone number was clarified to state that ANY method of contact provided to parents must be staffed during the school day.

Schools must now provide documentation to the Department of Education verifying that their policy is posted on their website.

DEFINITION

The definition of 'mobile device' was expanded to explicitly list activities such as gaming, video streaming, and data recording, while the definition of 'Individualized Education Plan' was modified to include the term 'PROGRAM'.

An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in student supports, providing for bell-to-bell mobile device policy.

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