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Bill Summary · HF 2516

Summary of HF2516 (2025-2026) – Minnesota

## Purpose and intent
HF 2516 proposes to regulate student possession and use of cell phones in schools and to allocate state funding to support implementation and related public education campaigns. The core goals are to reduce the negative effects of screen overuse/misuse on student behavior, mental health, and academic attainment, and to provide districts with resources to adopt and enforce stricter cell phone use policies.

## Key provisions

### Section 1 – School cell phone policy (amendment to Minn. Stat. 121A.73)
- Deadline for policy adoption: By March 15, 2025, every school district and charter school must adopt a policy on students' possession and use of cell phones in school.
- Best-practices guidance: The Minnesota Elementary School Principals' Association and the Minnesota Association of Secondary School Principals must collaborate to develop and share best practices to minimize phone-related impacts on behavior, mental health, and academics.
- Fall 2026-27 policy requirements by grade:
- Grades K–8: Prohibit cell phones and smart watches in school.
- Grades 9–12: Prohibit cell phones and smart watches in classrooms.
- The policy may include exceptions for devices needed for medical use, devices covered by an individual education program (IEP) for a student with a disability, or other principal-approved exceptions.

### Section 2 – Appropriations (State funding, general fund)
The bill creates three appropriation categories to support implementation, each with onetime and time-bound funding (all amounts to be determined in the final bill text):

#### Subdivision 2: Statewide campaign on screen use
- Purpose: Contract for a statewide campaign about the negative effects of screen overuse and misuse on children.
- Structure: Targeted information for parents/caregivers from early childhood through grade 12.
- Administration: 1% of the grant may be used for grant administration (per §16B.98, with a specific carve-out in the bill).
- Timing: Campaign funding for 2026 and 2027; any unspent balance in 2026 may carry to 2027.
- Base for 2028 and later: To be set (placeholder in text).

#### Subdivision 3: Implementation grants
- Purpose: Grants to school districts/charter schools to implement the required cell phone use policies.
- Administration: 1% of the grant may be used for grant administration.
- Timing: 2026 and 2027; onetime grants intended for non-recurring costs related to policy implementation (not for ongoing salaries or enforcement).
- Carryover: Any balance remaining in 2026 may be used in 2027.
- Onetime nature: Explicitly stated as onetime appropriations.

## Who/what is affected

  • Students in Minnesota K–12 (by grade level) will be subject to new restrictions on cell phone and smart watch use.
  • School districts and charter schools must develop and enforce the new policies and may need to adjust classroom and campus practices accordingly.
  • Districts/charters may apply for implementation grants to cover nonrecurring costs associated with policy adoption and enforcement.
  • Parents, caregivers, and students are the target of the statewide information campaign about screen use.

## Procedural and timeline considerations

  • Policy adoption deadline: March 15, 2025.
  • Policy effects begin in the 2026-2027 school year (full prohibitions for K–8; classroom prohibitions for 9–12, with exceptions possible).
  • Funding structure is for fiscal years 2026 and 2027, with potential continuation into 2028 and beyond subject to future appropriation decisions.
  • Funds are described as onetime appropriations for implementation costs, with a separate ongoing campaign funded through a dedicated grant structure.

## Potential impact and considerations

  • Clear, grade-based restrictions could significantly alter daily school routines, requiring policy development, communication with families, and possible infrastructure changes (e.g., device storage, classroom management).
  • The emphasis on best practices and a statewide public information campaign aims to address not just enforcement but awareness of the broader effects of screen overuse.
  • The availability of implementation grants provides financial support for districts to transition to the new policies; however, districts will need to plan for one-time costs and ensure compliance with the policy timelines.
  • Exceptions (medical, IEP-related, or principal-approved) allow flexibility to accommodate students’ health and educational needs.

## Summary

HF2516 would (1) require school districts and charter schools to adopt a student cell phone policy by March 15, 2025, with more restrictive prohibitions taking effect in the 2026-2027 school year by grade; (2) authorize a statewide public-information campaign on screen use; and (3) provide onetime funding to implement the policy and support the campaign, with limited administrative allowances. The bill emphasizes targeted guidance, grade-specific restrictions, and nonrecurring implementation expenses.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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