Today, Governor Kim Reynolds signed HF 782, an Act relating to electronic devices in schools, including student access during instructional hours and school safety plans and including effective date provisions.
“The data tells us Gen Z spends six hours per day on their phones. 72% of high school teachers say cell phone distractions are a major problem in the classroom,” Gov. Reynolds said. “As many schools around the state who have enacted their own cell phone policies have already seen, these changes will not only improve the learning environment for students, but the social interactions they have with each other and their teachers. For example, at Hoover High School in Des Moines, they’ve seen As and Bs increase by 14% schoolwide, the failure rate cut in half, falling to 12%, and out of school suspension rates are down 60%. I can’t wait to see the results a year from now.”
HF 782 prohibits cell phones during instructional time and includes common-sense exceptions to accommodate students with disabilities, English language learners, and those with individual education plans.
The bill is effective upon enactment.