HB 1494 Summary

• Require each school district to develop and fully implement wireless technology infrastructure serving all K-12 students and staff by the 2017-2018 school year, with a two-year phase-in beginning in 2015-2016.

• Mandate districts conduct needs assessments of existing network capacity and technical equipment, then issue requests for proposals within 45 days to solicit wireless system installation and service providers.

• Require districts submit strategic implementation plans to the State Department of Education for approval based on established functionality guidelines for wireless classroom modules.

• Establish eligibility requirements for state funding including functional coverage in all instructional and administrative areas, validation testing with the state department, content filtering with configurable policies, and security protections against eavesdropping and unauthorized access.

• Effective July 1, 2016, with provisions extending to public charter schools and their governing boards.