Senate Education Committee hears testimony on bill to ban student device use during instructional time

Chairwoman Erickson opened the Senate Education Committee hearing on Senate Bill 302, which would require school districts and accredited nonpublic schools to adopt policies prohibiting students from using personal electronic communication devices during instructional time and to limit staff use of social media to board‑approved platforms.

Tamara Lawrence, the committee adviser, walked members through the bill section by section, noting definitions for "personal electronic communication device" and "instructional time," exceptions for IEPs, Section 504 plans and physician‑documented medical necessity, authorization for storage or leaving devices off campus, and a requirement that districts certify compliance to the State Board of Education. The bill also exempts virtual schools and says it would take effect on July 1 upon publication in the statute book.

Supporters framed the bill around student safety and learning. Emily Brownlee, a former high‑school teacher, testified: "Our children live in an online world where evil is profitable," and urged passage to protect students from predation, addiction and other harms. Michael Chartier,…