HF 2347 (LSB 6076YH (5) 88)

HOUSE FILE 2347

BY  EHLERT, KURTH, GAINES, STAED, and MATSON

A BILL FOR

An Act requiring school districts and accredited nonpublic schools to develop and establish a policy limiting the use of smartphones in classroom learning environments. 
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:

    Section 1.  NEW SECTION.  280.18  Smartphone use policy.
   1.  The board of directors of each school district and the authorities in charge of each nonpublic school shall develop and establish a policy to limit student smartphone use during class and in classroom learning environments in kindergarten through grade twelve. 
   2.  A policy adopted pursuant to subsection 1 shall allow smartphone use by students in any of the following circumstances:
   a.  In the case of an emergency or in response to a perceived threat of danger.
   b.  When a licensed physician or mental health professional determines that the possession or use of a smartphone is necessary for the health or well-being of the student.
   c.  The possession or use of a smartphone is required by a student’s individualized education program or plan developed in compliance with section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. §794, as amended.
   d.  At the discretion of the classroom teacher for research purposes or to clarify a classroom assignment.
   e.  Other circumstances prescribed by rule by the state board of education.
   3.  The department of education shall develop and issue guidance to school districts and nonpublic schools using evidence-based best practices for the development and implementation of policies that limit smartphone use in classrooms and in classroom learning environments.
   4.  For purposes of this section, “smartphone” means a mobile phone that performs many of the functions of a computer, typically has a touchscreen interface, internet access, and operating system capable of running downloaded applications, capturing video, sending and receiving texts, electronic mail, and messages, and social media posts on various platforms. “Smartphone” does not include a tablet, laptop, or computer that is used in classroom instruction.
EXPLANATION
The inclusion of this explanation does not constitute agreement with
the explanation’s substance by the members of the general assembly.
   This bill directs school districts and accredited nonpublic schools to develop and establish policies to limit student smartphone use during class and in classroom learning environments in K-12, and directs the department of education to issue evidence-based, best practices guidance for the development and implementation of such policies. 
   Policies shall allow smartphone use by students in the case of an emergency or perceived threat of danger, when a licensed physician or mental health professional determines that the smartphone is necessary for the health or well-being of the student, when possession or use of a smartphone is required by a student with special needs, at the discretion of the classroom teacher for research purposes or to clarify a classroom assignment, or under other circumstances prescribed by rule by the state board of education. The bill defines “smartphone”.