Relating to the use of technology by public school students, including a study on the public health effects of digital learning and public school policies regarding student possession of personal communication devices; increasing a fee.

SB 966 requires the Texas Department of State Health Services to study the public health impacts of digital learning in public schools, including effects on student mental health and academic performance, with a report due by September 2026. It also updates school policies on student devices, allowing districts to require students to turn off and store personal communication devices during school hours and confiscate non-compliant devices. The bill increases the administrative fee for returning confiscated devices from $15 to $30, to be charged to the student or their parent/guardian. These changes directly affect public school students, school districts, and parents through new device policies and fee requirements. The study component expires January 1, 2027.