Bill would require county boards to adopt personal‑device policies during instructional time; parent witness urges stricter storage rules for high schools

Omar Diato presented SB79 on behalf of Senator Benson, explaining the bill requires each county board of education to develop and publish a policy governing personal electronic device use during school hours. The proposal restricts use of smartphones, tablets, laptops and smartwatches during instructional time unless used for clearly defined educational activities or to address documented health needs such as those noted in an individualized education program (IEP) or Section 504 plan.

Diato emphasized the bill preserves technology use for instruction while aiming to limit classroom disruption. "This bill respect[s] local control by leaving the development of specific policy to the board closest to the students and family and support classroom focus and instructional time by limiting disruptive device use," the presenter said.

Alana Lerner, a Montgomery County parent and former teacher, testified in favor with amendments, urging the committee to extend the prohibition to high school students and to require explicit language on device storage during the entire school day to make devices inaccessible except in limited exceptions. Lerner argued enforcement without storage requirements places an unfair burden on teachers and disrupts instruction.

The committee took no vote during the hearing; sponsors and witnesses highlighted transparency steps including requiring boards to publish policies on district websites and include them in student handbooks. No formal motions or amendments were adopted on the record.