WV HB2003

County boards of education must develop and implement policies restricting student access to personal electronic devices during instructional time, effective at the start of the 2025-2026 school year

Personal electronic devices include cell phones, tablets, laptops, smartwatches, and portable gaming systems not provided by the school district

County boards must decide whether devices are permitted on school property at all, and if allowed, must establish storage procedures including potential use of containers or pouches

Exemptions are required for students with documented medical needs, IEPs, 504 plans, or other accommodation plans, as well as for approved work-based learning programs

Policies must include escalating consequences for violations (first, second, and subsequent offenses), require documentation of all violations in the state education information system, and mandate schools to publish protocols for parent-student communication during school hours