An Act relative to phone-free schools, the official text

	Chapter 71 of the General Laws is hereby amended by adding the following section:-
	Section 102. (a) For the purposes of this section, the following terms shall, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, have the following meanings:-
	“Personal electronic device”, a cell telephone, tablet, smart watch, computer or other portable electronic device capable of voice communication, text messaging or internet access.
	“Pouch system”, a system in which access to a personal electronic device is restricted through storing the device in a pouch, which can be locked or unlocked at certain times and locations by the school’s teaching or administrative staff.
	(b) Each school district shall implement a pouch system to prohibit the use of personal electronic devices by students during the school day.
	(c) Each school district shall implement a policy for the use of the pouch system. The policy shall permit the use of personal electronic devices if authorized by teaching or administrative staff. The policy shall require that students secure their personal electronic devices in a pouch upon entrance to the school and that each pouch is unlocked at the end of the school day.
	(c) Annually, the school district shall submit its policies to the department for review and approval. The department shall promulgate regulations, pursuant to chapter 30A, which shall include minimum requirements for the school districts’ policies.