HF 782: Relating to electronic devices in schools, including student access during instructional hours and school safety plans, and including effective date provisions

What it does

This bill relates to electronic devices in schools, including student access during instructional hours and school safety plans. Commencing with the school year beginning July 1, 2025, the bill requires school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools to adopt policies regarding student use of personal electronic devices during school hours. The bill establishes what the policies are to include. The bill requires the director of the department of education (DE) to develop and distribute to schools model policies that, if adopted, would satisfy the school’s responsibilities under these provisions.

House subcommittee · named January 30, 2025

• Rep. Jeff Shipley (R) · jeff.shipley@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Heather Hora (R) · heather.hora@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Heather Matson (D) · heather.matson@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 16 for, 3 against

For: Classroom Clinic; Des Moines Public Schools; Governor's Office; Hazel Health; Iowa Association of School Boards; Iowa Chapter-American Academy of Pediatrics; Iowa Department of Education; Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition; Iowa State Education Association; Professional Educators of Iowa; Rural School Advocates of Iowa; School Administrators of Iowa; and 4 more

Against: Bitches Get Stuff Done; One Iowa; One Iowa Action

In plain words

1. January 30, 2025Filed in the House and sent to the Education committee · as HSB 106
2. January 30, 2025House subcommittee named: Shipley, Hora and Matson · as HSB 106
3. February 12, 2025Subcommittee recommended passing it · as HSB 106
4. February 27, 2025Approved by the House committee · as HSB 106
5. February 27, 2025Committee vote: 21–2 · as HSB 106
6. March 5, 2025Filed in the House
7. March 5, 2025Approved by the House committee, and given a new number: HF 782 · as HSB 106
8. March 18, 2025Passed the House, 88–9
9. March 19, 2025Arrived in the Senate
10. March 24, 2025Took the place of SF 370 on the Senate floor (the same legislation)
11. March 24, 2025Passed the Senate, 49–0
12. April 8, 2025Passed the House, 92–4
13. April 30, 2025Sent to the Governor
14. April 30, 2025Signed into law