STUDENT USE OF WIRELESS COMMUNICATION PLANS

SB 160 requires all New Mexico public school districts and charter schools to adopt a policy governing student use of wireless communication devices (like phones, tablets, or laptops) by August 1, 2025. The policy must prohibit device use during instruction unless for educational purposes, medical needs, disability accommodations, or emergencies, while allowing accessibility tools. Schools must publish policies online, hold public meetings for feedback, provide staff training, and annually evaluate policy effectiveness. The bill directly affects school districts and charter schools, not individual students or parents, by mandating structured device-use guidelines aligned with educational and health needs.