RELATING TO WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICES IN SCHOOLS.

HB1303

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

1303

THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025

STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING
TO wireless communication devices in schools
.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

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SECTION 1.
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The legislature
recognizes there is widespread use of wireless communication devices, including
mobile phones and smart technology, in public schools across the State.
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While these devices offer benefits such as
facilitating communication and providing access to educational resources, they
have also led to increasing distractions during instructional time that can
negatively impact students' academic performance and focus.
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Studies have shown that excessive use of
wireless communication devices, particularly for non-academic purposes such as
social media, contributes to mental health issues, including stress, anxiety,
and sleep deprivation, further hindering students� ability to learn and develop
socially.

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The legislature finds that nationally,
approximately eighty per cent of schools have implemented policies prohibiting
the use of wireless communication devices for non-academic purposes during
school hours, signaling a broad consensus on the need for such regulations.
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Several states, including Florida, Louisiana,
South Carolina, Virginia, and California, have adopted or proposed policies to
limit or restrict cellphone use in schools.
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These policies reflect an effort to balance
students' need for access to technology during emergencies with the goal of
fostering a focused, distraction-free academic environment.

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The legislature also finds that
establishing guidelines for responsible technology use and promoting digital
citizenship will support the academic success and mental well-being of
students.
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The legislature believes it is
imperative that the State create a balance between maintaining access to
wireless communication devices for safety and communication purposes, and
promoting a healthier and more effective learning environment.

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Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to
regulate the use of wireless communication devices in the State's schools,
ensuring that students can still access their devices in emergencies while
minimizing distractions in the classroom.

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SECTION 2.
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Chapter 302A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new
section to part II, subpart C, to be appropriately designated and to read as
follows:

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�302A-
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Wireless communication device policy;
prohibition; exceptions.
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(a)
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Beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, each
public school shall adopt and implement a wireless communication device policy
that prohibits students from using wireless communication devices while in
school during student hours and exempts from the policy the use of a wireless
communication device:

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(1)
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For educational purposes authorized
by a teacher;

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(2)
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If an emergency occurs;

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(3)
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To manage a student's health care;

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(4)
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In accordance with a student's individualized
education program; and

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(5)
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In accordance with a plan developed
under section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794).

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(b)

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Each school shall publish on its website
the wireless communication device policy established under subsection (a).

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(c)

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For the purposes of this section:

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"Student
hours" means the hours of the school year counted for purposes of section
302A-251; provided that "student hours" for public charter schools and
multi-track public schools shall mean the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.,
unless otherwise defined by the wireless communication device policy of the
applicable public charter school or multi-track public school.

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"Wireless
communication device" means any portable wireless device that has the
capability to provide voice, messaging, or other data communication between two
or more parties, including a cellular telephone, tablet computer, laptop
computer, smartwatch, or gaming device.
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SECTION 3.
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New statutory material is underscored.

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SECTION 4.
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This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

Report Title:

DOE;
Cellular Phones; Wireless Communication Devices; Prohibition

Description:

Requires
each public school to implement a policy to prohibit students from using cellular
phones and other wireless communication devices during school hours, subject to
exceptions for education, health, and emergencies.

The summary description
of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is
not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.