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H 229

EDUCATION – Adds to existing law to provide for a wireless electronic communication devices policy.

68th Legislature, 1st Regular Session (2025)

Idaho districts must adopt a WECD policy by Aug 1, 2025, prohibiting classroom use during instruction and may include confiscation with required device return.

Reported Printed and Referred to Education
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Bill Summary · H 229

Summary: Idaho House Bill H 229 – Wireless Electronic Communication Devices Policy

Overview

Indiana? Sorry—this is Idaho. House Bill No. 229, introduced February 13, 2025, would add a new section to Idaho Code to require school districts to adopt a policy governing wireless electronic communication devices for K-12 students. The bill was reported printed and referred to Education shortly after introduction and includes an emergency clause, making the act effective upon passage.

Purpose and intent

  • Ensure that local school districts establish a formal policy governing students’ possession and use of wireless electronic communication devices (WECDs) during school.
  • Provide clear rules to minimize classroom disruptions and align student conduct standards with device policies.
  • Permit districts to include a confiscation provision, with a requirement that any confiscated devices be returned to students.

Key provisions

  • Definition: “Wireless electronic communication device” includes, but is not limited to, a telephone, personal digital assistant (PDA), paging device, text-messaging device, or other device capable of wireless communication.
  • Policy adoption deadline: By August 1, 2025, each local school district must adopt a WECD policy.
  • Governance and integration: The policy must be approved by the district’s board of trustees and incorporated into the district’s written student conduct standards.
  • Confiscation provisions: If the policy authorizes confiscation of WECDs, it must also provide for the return of the devices to students.
  • Classroom use restriction: At a minimum, the policy must prohibit the use of WECDs in classrooms during periods of academic instruction.

Fiscal impact

  • The accompanying fiscal note states there is no anticipated increase or decrease in state or local revenue or expenditures as a result of the bill (no fiscal impact).

Affected entities

  • Local school districts in Idaho (K-12).
  • Students who possess WECDs.
  • District boards of trustees and school administrators responsible for policy adoption and enforcement.

Timeline and procedural notes

  • Introduced: February 13, 2025.
  • Action: Reported Printed and Referred to Education on February 14, 2025.
  • Effective date: Immediate upon passage due to emergency clause in Section 2.

Practical implications

  • Districts must develop or revise conduct standards to include WECD policies by the August 1, 2025 deadline.
  • Policies may include confiscation mechanisms, but must ensure devices are returned.
  • Minimum standard requires prohibition of WECD use in classrooms during instructional time, though districts may impose stricter rules.

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

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