SB 672
Limiting student use of cell phones in K-12 classrooms
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House of Delegates
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill requires students in kindergarten through 12th grade in West Virginia to store their mobile phones in a secure container, such as a lockbox or pouch, during instructional time. Schools must develop and implement policies regarding cell phone use, with exceptions made for students who need them for medical reasons, have specific permissions from teachers, or meet other defined criteria like being part of a volunteer emergency service or having a disability requiring device use. The bill also mandates that schools inform parents, teachers, and students about these policies at the start of each school year.
Key provisions
- Students must deposit mobile phones in a secure container during instructional time.
- The State Board of Education and county boards of education must create cell phone use policies.
- Exceptions are provided for medical needs, teacher permission, volunteer emergency services, disabilities, English language learners, and other specific circumstances.
- Policies must be adopted in open meetings with public feedback.
- Schools must notify parents, teachers, and students about the cell phone policy annually.
- The definition of ‘instructional time’ excludes breaks between classes, lunch, and recess.
- The bill excludes charter schools from the policy.
Who is affected
- Students in kindergarten through 12th grade
- Public school entities (schools)
- Teachers
- Parents
- School Boards (State and County)
Notable changes
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