ND HB1160

School districts must adopt policies requiring personal electronic devices (smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, gaming devices) to be silenced, turned off, and securely locked away from students during instructional time, defined as the entire school day including recess and lunch

Exceptions allow students to possess or use devices when required by a licensed medical provider for health reasons or mandated by an IEP, Section 504 plan, or other legally required accommodation

Schools must provide students access to school telephones to contact parents during the day, and may set their own policies for device access during school-related activities outside instructional time

School-owned devices, school-approved devices, and FDA-defined medical devices are exempt from the prohibition

Districts must annually collect data on the policy's impact on student behavior, mental health, discipline, attendance, and academics, with the superintendent of public instruction establishing a uniform reporting system by July 1, 2026