Resolve, Establishing a Pilot Program to Reduce Personal Electronic Device Distractions During the School Day
Summary
LD 170 is a resolve that directs the Maine Department of Education to create a pilot program aimed at reducing student use of personal electronic devices during the school day. The department would award one-time grants, capped at a total of $250,000, to one or more school administrative units to help implement a policy for the 2026-2027 school year requiring student devices to be turned off, securely locked away, and inaccessible during the school day.
The bill also requires the department to set up an application process, establish minimum policy standards, identify eligible uses for funding, and publish a list of preapproved evidence-based technology solutions, including but not limited to cellphone pouches. Participating school units would need to collect and report data using an evaluation plan developed with support from the Maine Education Policy Research Institute, which would then issue a preliminary report in 2026 and a final report in 2027 for legislative review.
Impact
The resolve would not permanently change statewide school device rules on its own, but it would create a state-funded pilot program and a reporting framework that could inform future legislation. It affects the Department of Education, participating school administrative units, and the Maine Education Policy Research Institute by assigning them responsibilities for program design, implementation, data collection, and evaluation. The bill also builds in exemptions for students whose licensed physician determines device use is medically necessary and for students whose individualized education plan requires device possession or use.
Sentiment
Because there are no committee transcripts or recorded votes provided, the available record does not show formal support or opposition. Based on the bill text, the measure appears to be framed as a research-based, limited pilot rather than a broad mandate, which may make it more acceptable to lawmakers seeking to address classroom distraction while still testing approaches before wider adoption. The inclusion of evaluation requirements and a capped funding amount suggests an emphasis on caution and evidence gathering.
Contention
The main likely points of contention are whether schools should restrict student access to personal electronic devices for the entire school day, how strictly such policies should be enforced, and whether the state should fund device-locking technology such as pouches. Another possible issue is balancing distraction reduction with exceptions for medical needs and special education services, since the bill explicitly exempts students with physician-documented health needs or IEP requirements. Stakeholders likely to differ include educators and administrators concerned about classroom management, parents and students concerned about access and communication, and policymakers weighing student focus against autonomy and practical implementation costs.
In general provisions, further providing for definitions; and, in licensing of drivers, further providing for issuance and content of driver's license and for carrying and exhibiting driver's license on demand.
In general provisions, further providing for definitions; and, in licensing of drivers, further providing for issuance and content of driver's license and for carrying and exhibiting driver's license on demand.