Committee advances several education measures including studies on classroom technology and student health protocols
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Summary
The committee reviewed LD 2172 (rule review on restraint and seclusion), advanced LD 2052 (study of classroom technology safeguards, amended) and LD 2046 (updates to student health/communicable disease duties, amended to require school nurse consultation). The two bills discussed at length were recommended 'ought to pass as amended' and described listed funding and scope changes.
The joint standing committee on education and cultural affairs considered three items after the commission presentation.
LD 2172: The clerk presented LD 2172, a legislative review of portions of chapter 33 (rules governing physical restraint and seclusion). Committee folders contained a divided report: the majority recommended "ought to pass" (authorize the rule) and the minority recommended "ought to pass as amended" (the amendment would insert the word "not" into the resolve). The committee reviewed the green fiscal note (majority report) and was asked if there were questions; no further action was recorded at the hearing.
LD 2052: The committee considered LD 2052, a study of the use of technology in classrooms and safeguards related to its use. The committee amendment expands the schools MEPRI will study to include unorganized territory and private schools approved for public funds that enroll 60% or more publicly funded students; it also directs MEPRI to gather guidance on technology in classrooms and to review neuropsychological, developmental, academic performance, behavioral and environmental studies related to digital consumption. The clerk noted that funding for the study is intended to come from MEPRI’s existing cooperative project agreement with the Legislature.
LD 2046: The last bill considered updated duties related to communicable and infectious disease responses. The committee’s amendment inserted an initial step: when a building administrator learns a student may be symptomatic, the administrator consults with the school nurse (or the nurse’s designee, where a nurse is not present) before escalating to the superintendent. Members discussed how districts without a nurse should rely on a designated staff member; the clerk said staff would check statutory language to confirm existing references to designees.
For both LD 2052 and LD 2046 the clerk described the committee recommendations as "ought to pass as amended" and said there was no fiscal impact in the green fiscal note attached to LD 2172 majority report; the transcript records agreement but does not show a roll‑call vote recorded in the hearing minutes.
The committee scheduled follow‑up work sessions to continue drafting and language review.