Maryland HB525 mandates county boards of education to create policies limiting student electronic device use during school hours.

Maryland HB525, known as the Joanne C. Benson Maryland Phone-Free Schools Act, requires county boards of education to develop and implement policies limiting student electronic communication device use during school hours by the 2027-2028 school year. These policies must include grade-level differentiation, instructional use protocols, and emergency communication plans. Exceptions to the policy include using devices for health issues, emergencies, educational purposes, language translation, and disciplinary measures.

Maryland HB525 mandates county boards of education to create policies limiting student electronic device use during school hours.

Maryland HB525, known as the Joanne C. Benson Maryland Phone-Free Schools Act, requires county boards of education to develop and implement policies limiting student electronic communication device use during school hours by the 2027-2028 school year. These policies must include grade-level differentiation, instructional use protocols, and emergency communication plans. Exceptions to the policy include using devices for health issues, emergencies, educational purposes, language translation, and disciplinary measures.