House passes bill banning most personal electronic device use during school hours
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Summary
The House passed Senate Bill 23‑54 to restrict use of personal electronic devices in pre‑K through secondary schools; the conference committee removed private schools from coverage and allowed flexible storage options for districts.
The North Dakota House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 23‑54 on final consideration, 73‑17, extending limits on students’ use of personal electronic devices in pre‑K through secondary education.
Representative Jonas presented the conference committee report and said the committee made a significant change by removing private schools from the bill’s coverage for now. The conference committee also retained flexibility from the House education committee allowing schools to require devices be stowed—locked or unlocked, in a locker, a backpack or other location—so long as the device is turned off.
Jonas told members the bill previously passed the House on April 7 and asked for a green vote on final consideration. After debate and the recorded vote, the bill was declared passed.
The measure amends the North Dakota Century Code section created by House Bill 11‑60 and establishes procedures and enforcement rely upon local districts to adapt policies. With passage the change will apply to public pre‑K, elementary and secondary schools (private schools were excluded in the conference compromise).