S.B. 1544 Summary

• Each public school must adopt and implement a wireless communication device policy beginning with the 2025-2026 school year that prohibits students from using wireless communication devices during student hours.

• Exceptions to the prohibition include use for educational purposes authorized by a teacher, during emergencies, to manage a student's health care, in accordance with an individualized education program, or under a Section 504 rehabilitation plan.

• Schools must publish their wireless communication device policy on their website.

• "Wireless communication device" includes cellular phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, smartwatches, and gaming devices capable of voice, messaging, or data communication.

• "Student hours" means the hours of the school year counted for attendance purposes, or for charter and multi-track schools, 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. unless otherwise defined by the school's policy.