HB 41

For the 2025-2026 school year, and each school year thereafter, this bill requires e ach local board of education and public cha rter school governing body to adopt and implement a wireless communication device policy that does all of the following :  Generally requires a student who possesses a wireless communication device (i) in grades K-8 to keep the wireless communication device turned off and stowed away during a classroom instructional day and (ii) in grades 9-12 to keep the wireless communication device turned off and stowed away during instructional time .  Authorizes a teacher to permit a student to use a wireless communication device for educational purposes during instructional time .  Permits a student to use a wireless communication device to monitor the student's health concern as prescribed by the student's healthcare provider .  Permits a student to use a wireless communication device during a classroom instructional day or instructional time if the student's use of the wireless communication device is included in the student's (i) i ndividualized education program under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act or (ii) a ctive 504 plan developed under Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 .  Establishes a process by which parents of students will be contacted in the event of an emergency or possible emergency at the school in which the parent's student is enrolled. As used in this bill , a "wireless communication device"" means a portable wireless device that has the capability to provide voice, messaging, or other data communication between two or more parties, and includ es, but not limited to, c ellular telephones, t ablet computers, l aptop computers, and g aming devices."