380.1303a Prohibition on use of wireless communication devices on school grounds; policy; exemptions; posting on website; definitions.

454 words·~2 min read·/mi/chapter-380/380-1303a

A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.

Sec. 1303a.

(1)Beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, the board of a school district or the board of directors of a public school academy shall implement a wireless communications device policy that prohibits students from using a wireless communications device on school grounds during instructional time.

(2)The board of a school district or the board of directors of a public school academy may implement additional restrictions regarding the use of wireless communications devices.

(3)A wireless communications device policy implemented under this section must provide details regarding enforcement mechanisms that the school will use to achieve the goals of the policy.

(4)A wireless communications device policy implemented under this section must provide exemptions for all of the following:

(a)Medically necessary devices.

(b)District-owned devices, including, but not limited to, school-issued tablets and laptops.

(c)Devices designated by the district to be used for instructional purposes.

(d)Devices used for special education programming or devices provided as an accommodation to students as required under section 504 of title V of the rehabilitation act of 1973, 29 USC 794, or as part of an individualized education plan under title II of the Americans with disabilities act of 1990, 42 USC 12131 to 12165.

(e)Lesson-specific academic assignments, at the limited and direct discretion of a classroom teacher.

(f)Emergency situations, as described in an emergency operations plan developed under section 1308b. Use of a wireless communications device under this subdivision must not interfere with school emergency protocols or the actions of first responders, and must not endanger students or faculty.

(5)The board of a school district or board of directors of a public school academy shall post the wireless communications device policy implemented under this section on the school district's or public school academy's website.

(6)As used in this section:

(a)"Basic telephone" means a device primarily used for voice calling that cannot support third-party applications, except those preinstalled, and does not support access to internet platforms via applications or web browsers.

(b)"School grounds" means a building, playing field, or property used for school purposes to impart instruction to children or used for functions and events sponsored by a school. School grounds does not include a building used primarily for adult education or college extension courses.

(c)"Wireless communications device" means an electronic device capable of, but not limited to, text messaging, voice communication, entertainment, navigation, accessing the internet, sending and receiving photos and videos, or producing email. Wireless communications device does not include a basic telephone.

History: Add. 2026, Act 2 , Imd. Eff. Feb. 10, 2026

Popular Name: Act 451