County Boards of Education - Student Electronic Communication Device Use Policy - Establishment (Maryland Phone-Free Schools Act)

Maryland's SB 928 (Maryland Phone-Free Schools Act) requires all county school boards to create and implement policies by the 2027-2028 school year that limit students' use of personal electronic devices (like phones, tablets, and smartwatches) during the academic school day. The policy must prohibit personal device use except for specific exceptions, including special education plans, health needs, emergencies, educational purposes, language translation tools, and caregiver responsibilities. School boards must engage parents and staff in developing the policy, store devices securely during school hours, and use tiered disciplinary measures (not suspensions/expulsions) for violations. Annual reports on policy impacts, including equity data and stakeholder feedback, must be submitted to the state education department starting in 2027.