Senate committee advances RS 32029 requiring districts to adopt 'distraction-free' mobile-device policies

Senator Craig Berndt (R–Meridian) presented RS 32029 to the Senate Education Committee, a legislative statement of intent that would require every Idaho school district to assess the impact of mobile electronic devices on students and to develop a local policy that “promotes distraction-free learning.” Berndt said the draft does not prescribe a uniform statewide rule, but instead preserves local control so districts can tailor policies to their communities.

Berndt told the committee he and Representative Petzke began work on the idea about a year earlier, met with West Ada School District leadership and spoke with students while drafting the proposal. “This legislation doesn’t dictate what a policy looks like,” he said, adding the intent is to require districts to evaluate device use and adopt an appropriate policy.

Committee members asked clarifying questions. Senator Nichols asked whether the draft sets a deadline; Berndt replied the policy must be adopted “by the end of the year.” Senator Semeroth asked whether the definition of “electronic communications device” includes tablets; Berndt said yes. Committee members also confirmed that students with individualized education programs (IEPs) who use devices as assistive technology are excluded from restrictive device rules.

After questions, a motion was made and seconded to send RS 32029 to print. The committee approved the motion by voice vote with no recorded roll-call.

If enacted, the RS would require districts statewide to adopt local policies by the stated deadline; it does not prescribe enforcement mechanisms or device-specific rules, leaving those details to local districts.