Senate committee advances bill letting districts set phone rules, adds DPI grant to help implement

The Senate Education Committee on Monday heard testimony on Senate Bill 2354, which would require school districts to adopt policies that minimize or prohibit student use of personal electronic devices during the school day while preserving local control and specific exceptions for instruction and health needs.

Sponsor Senator Michelle Axman, D-7 of Bismarck, told the committee the bill preserves local control while setting minimum requirements: policies must cover the entire school day, be consistent across grade levels within a district, allow teacher-directed instructional use, and account for individualized education programs and medical needs. "It does require stakeholder input," Axman said, explaining districts must solicit input from "students, parents, and educators" and publish policies on district websites. She also said districts must review and update policies annually. The bill originally set implementation no earlier than Jan. 1, 2027.

The bill drew support from students, school officials and associations. Carter Hass,…