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Committee approves substitute requiring school districts to adopt policies limiting wireless device use during instructional hours
Summary
A committee substitute that would require every school district to adopt a policy prohibiting student use of wireless devices during instructional hours advanced unanimously. The Public Education Department will issue minimum-guideline language; funding for pilot lockbag devices was removed from the bill and is being pursued in the budget.
A committee substitute requiring school districts to adopt policies limiting student use of wireless devices during instructional hours advanced from the Senate Finance Committee by unanimous voice/roll call.
The substitute requires the Public Education Department (PED) to issue guidelines for minimum requirements of a district policy. Language in the substitute permits limited exceptions — for instructional use, individualized medical needs and emergency communications — while making the statewide expectation that devices stay off or locked during class time.
Why it matters: supporters said device distraction is the top classroom issue raised by teachers and that a statewide policy would relieve local teachers from bearing the enforcement burden alone. PED told the committee that a statewide standard would reduce inconsistent district approaches and noted that 74% of superintendents who responded to a survey supported a statewide ban.
The committee heard broad support from education organizations and associations: testimony in favor came from the New Mexico Education Association, the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, the New Mexico School Board Association, American Federation of Teachers–New Mexico and superintendents’ representatives. The Public Education Department’s Assistant Secretary of Education, Gregory Frosted, told the committee that districts which have implemented strict device policies reported reductions in discipline referrals and increased student engagement.
Multiple student witnesses from El Dorado High School also spoke in favor, describing phone distraction and supporting a requirement that students put phones away during class.
Funding and implementation: the committee substitute removed a direct appropriation for pilot lock/pouch devices; sponsors said they are working to secure funding through House Bill 2 so districts that wish to purchase locking pouches can access state support. The substitute retains flexibility so districts can select implementation methods that fit local needs; PED will provide a template for minimum policy requirements.
Vote and disposition: the committee substitute was adopted and the bill received a due-pass recommendation by unanimous roll call. Supporters urged careful local implementation and additional guidance for teachers and districts.
Ending: advocates said the policy would support classroom focus and student mental health; committee members stressed local autonomy and pledged to monitor implementation and funding through the budget process.
