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SB18

SB 18: Wireless Devices in Alaska Public Schools

Last scannedSep 20, 2026, 12:32 AM

In one sentence

This law requires the state to create a model policy and school districts to adopt policies banning students from using personal wireless devices during regular school hours.

What it does

  • Requires the department of education to develop a model policy that bans non-school-issued wireless devices in public schools during regular school hours, including lunch and passing periods.
  • Mandates each school district to adopt a policy prohibiting students from possessing or using these devices during those times.
  • Allows districts to either use the state's model policy or create their own local policy with similar rules.
  • Permits policies to include exceptions for students who need to use a device for emergency purposes.

Who it affects

  • Public school students
  • School district administrators and employees
  • Parents, guardians, volunteers, and other school staff

Limits and unknowns

  • The law does not specify what actions schools must take if a student breaks the rule.
  • School districts decide how to handle emergency exceptions within their own policies.
  • The text defines devices generally but does not list specific types like smartwatches or tablets.

Plain language

Terms to know

Wireless telecommunications device
Any portable wireless device that can send voice, messages, or data between two or more people.
Regular school hours
The time students are at school, which includes class time, lunch periods, and passing times between classes.

Official record

Sources

Validated
Official bill pageIntroduced textCurrent bill text

Official summary

COMMUNICATION DEVICES IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS An Act relating to wireless telecommunications devices in public schools; and providing for an effective date.

Official activity

Bill history

  1. (S) Minutes (SEDC)Min
  2. (S) Heard & HeldText
  3. (S) EDUCATION at 03:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)Text
  4. (S) COSPONSOR(S): GRAY-JACKSON73
  5. (S) REFERRED TO EDUCATION30
  6. (S) EDC30
  7. (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS30
  8. (S) PREFILE RELEASED 1/10/2530