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7 LONG TITLE
8 General Description:
9 This bill addresses the use of cellphones and smart watches in classrooms.
10 Highlighted Provisions:
11 This bill:
12 ▸ subject to certain exceptions, prohibits a student from possessing a cellphone or
13 smart watch in a classroom; and
14 ▸ requires a local education agency (LEA) to enforce the provisions of this bill, in the
15 manner determined by the LEA.
16 Money Appropriated in this Bill:
17 None
18 Other Special Clauses:
19 None
20 Utah Code Sections Affected:
21 ENACTS:
22 53G-7-224, Utah Code Annotated 1953
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24 Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
25 Section 1. Section 53G-7-224 is enacted to read:
26 53G-7-224. Cellphones and smart watches in classrooms -- Prohibition --
27 Exceptions -- Enforcement.
28 (1) (a) "Smart watch" means a wearable computing device that closely resembles a
29 wristwatch or other time-keeping device with the capacity to act as an extension of an
30 individual's cellphone.
31 (b) "Smart watch" does not include a wearable device that can only:
32 (i) tell time;
33 (ii) monitor an individual's health informatics; or
34 (iii) track the individual's physical location.
35 (2) An LEA shall ensure that each classroom includes a location where a student may
36 place a cellphone or smart watch in an individual receptacle when entering the classroom.
37 (3) Except as provided in Subsections (4) through (6):
38 (a) a student may not have a cellphone or smart watch in the student's possession in a
39 classroom; and
40 (b) a student may not retrieve a cellphone or smart watch from a location described in
41 Subsection (2) until the student leaves the classroom.
42 (4) A student may possess a cellphone or smart watch in a classroom:
43 (a) if possession is necessary to respond to an imminent threat to the health or safety of
44 an individual;
45 (b) to the extent the possession is expressly permitted in the student's individualized
46 education program or Section 504 accommodation plan; or
47 (c) to the extent needed to address a medical necessity, as explained in a note signed by
48 the student's parent.
49 (5) A student in an elementary school may not retrieve the student's cellphone or smart
50 watch during lunch or recess.
51 (6) A student in a secondary school may possess the student's cellphone or smart watch
52 between classes and during lunch.
53 (7) An LEA shall:
54 (a) enforce the provisions of this section; and
55 (b) describe in a written policy the method of enforcement, including the disciplinary
56 actions for a violation.