An Act Concerning The Use Of Smart Devices In Schools.
Summary
HB 6923 would revise Connecticut law governing student access to electronic devices in public schools. It keeps the existing rule that students generally may not possess or use remotely activated paging devices without principal approval, and it preserves local board authority to restrict student use of cellular mobile telephones. The bill’s main new requirement is that, beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, every local and regional board of education must adopt a policy limiting the use of smart devices in schools, using policy guidance developed by the Department of Education.
The bill defines “smart device” broadly to include cellular mobile telephones and other wearable or portable technology that can connect to the internet, collect, process, and transmit data, and communicate with other devices and networks. In effect, it would create a statewide framework requiring school districts to address smart-device use, while still allowing local boards to tailor restrictions to their schools and communities. The bill would amend existing statute section 10-233j and take effect July 1, 2025.
Impact
HB 6923 would change state education law by adding a mandatory district-level policy requirement for smart devices in schools and by updating the existing statute on student possession and use of paging devices and cell phones. It would affect local and regional boards of education, which would need to adopt policies consistent with Department of Education guidance, and it would likely influence school discipline, classroom management, and student technology access policies statewide.
Sentiment
The available voting history suggests the bill had generally favorable support in the Education Committee, passing on a 33-11 joint favorable vote. That margin indicates meaningful support for limiting smart-device use in schools, likely reflecting concern about classroom distraction and school management. No committee transcript is available here, so the record does not show detailed debate, but the vote suggests the proposal was viewed positively by a majority of committee members.
Contention
The main point of contention is likely the balance between restricting student device use and preserving flexibility for local districts, parents, and students. The bill expressly requires boards to consider the special needs of parents and students when restricting cell phones, which suggests concerns about communication, safety, and accommodations. Another likely issue is the breadth of the term “smart device,” which could cover more than phones and may raise questions about enforcement, privacy, and the scope of school restrictions.