Title: Use of Wireless Communications Devices in Schools

Summary: Requiring the Commissioner of Education to coordinate with school districts selected by the Department of Education to implement a policy for a specified school year prohibiting the use of cell phones while on school grounds or engaged in certain activities off school grounds; requiring the department to provide a report to the Legislature before a specified date; providing requirements for the report, etc.

Full Text:
An act relating to use of wireless communications devices in schools; requiring the Commissioner of Education to coordinate with school districts selected by the Department of Education to implement a policy for a specified school year prohibiting the use of cell phones while on school grounds or engaged in certain activities off school grounds; requiring the department to provide a report to the Legislature before a specified date; providing requirements for the report; requiring that the report include a model policy that school districts and charter schools may adopt; requiring that the report and model policy address the authorized use of cell phones and electronic devices during the school day by certain students; requiring that the report include specified student code of conduct provisions; providing an effective date. Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida: Section 1.  (1) The Commissioner of Education shall coordinate with six districts selected by the Department of Education which represent two small, two medium, and two large counties that currently, or will in the 2025-2026 school year, implement a policy that prohibits the use of cell phones and other personal electronic devices by students during the entire school day, while on school grounds, or while engaged in school activities off school grounds during the school day. The department shall provide a report to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives before December 1, 2026, summarizing the effect of each district policy on student achievement and behavior. The report must also include a model policy that school districts and charter schools may adopt. (2) The report and model policy must address the authorized use of cell phones or other electronic devices during the school day by students:(a)  With disabilities or who are English Language Learners who may need such electronic devices to access curriculum or other required activities. (b)  When necessary for health reasons, for emergency medical issues, or for natural or man-made disasters. ( c)  On school buses,before or after school hours. ( d)  Engaged in extracurricular activities outside of the school day.(3) The report must also include student code of conduct provisions for violations of the policy restricting the use of cell phones and other electronic devices, including, but not limited to,which:(a)  Constitutes illegal behavior and may result in a referral to law enforcement. (b)  Facilitates bull ying,harass ing,or threaten ing other students. (c)  Facilitates cheat ing or otherwise violat ing a school s policy for academic integrity. (d)  Captures or displays any picture or video of any student during a medical issue or engaged in misconduct. Section 2. This act shall take effect July 1, 2025.