RELATING TO RENEWABLE ENERGY.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Nicole Lowen

House Bill 340 bans personal electronic devices for K-8 students during school hours starting July 2026, aiming to enhance focus and improve academic outcomes.

The committee(s) on EEP recommend(s) that the measure be deferred.

#electricityreliabilityadministrator #electricityreliabilitysurcharge #grid-readyhomesinterconnectionprocess #publicutilitiescommission #renewableenergy

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 340, titled the Distraction-Free Education Act, aims to establish guidelines for the use of personal electronic devices in public schools for students in kindergarten through eighth grade. The bill seeks to minimize distractions in educational environments, thereby improving academic outcomes and fostering meaningful interactions among students.

Key Provisions

The bill introduces several important provisions regarding the use of personal electronic devices:

Prohibition of Device Access:

Starting July 1, 2026, students in grades K-8 will not be allowed to access personal electronic devices during the school day, with specific exceptions outlined in the law.

Policy Adoption:

By January 1, 2026, local school systems and public schools must adopt policies that:
- Prohibit bell-to-bell access to personal electronic devices.
- Establish methods for securely storing devices (e.g., lockers, locked pouches).
- Outline procedures for off-site school events, including communication protocols for emergencies.
- Implement consequences for violations, which may include warnings and confiscation of devices.

Individualized Education Plans (IEPs):

Students with IEPs or Section 504 Plans that require the use of personal electronic devices for educational or medical purposes will still be permitted to use these devices as necessary.

Monitoring and Support:

Schools are required to ensure compliance with the new policies and are encouraged to engage parents and students in promoting distraction-free education through various activities.

Guidance from the Department of Education:

The Department of Education will provide technical support and guidance for the effective implementation of these policies.

Non-Waiver Clause:

The provisions of this bill cannot be waived by strategic waivers or charter systems, ensuring uniform application across public schools.

Affected Parties

Students: The primary focus is on students in kindergarten through eighth grade, who will face restrictions on personal electronic device usage during school hours.

Local School Systems: Schools will need to develop and enforce new policies regarding device usage.

Parents and Guardians: They will be informed of the new policies and may need to adjust their communication methods with their children during school hours.

Procedural Aspects

The bill was introduced on February 6, 2025, and has undergone several legislative actions, including committee reviews and readings in both the House and Senate.

The bill is currently deferred by the committee on EEP (Education, Employment, and Public Health) as of January 28, 2025.

If passed, the effective date for the provisions will be July 1, 2026.

Conclusion

House Bill 340 represents a significant shift in how personal electronic devices are managed in educational settings, aiming to create a more focused learning environment for young students. The implementation of this bill will require collaboration among school systems, educators, and families to ensure its success.

Bill