NJ S3290

Creates a one-year pilot program in the New Jersey Department of Education to assess academic and mental health benefits of lockable cell phone pouches for students in grades 6-12

Requires the Commissioner of Education to select six school districts total—two each from the northern, central, and southern regions of the state, representing urban, suburban, and rural areas

Participating districts must submit applications including school counts, enrollment numbers, implementation plans, and emergency parent notification procedures

Commissioner must submit a report to the Governor and Legislature within 120 days after the pilot ends, evaluating effectiveness on academic success and student mental health outcomes

Appropriates $500,000 from the General Fund to the Department of Education for program implementation