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Iowa Senate Bill SF370
Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session
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Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SF370

Caption

A bill for an act relating to electronic devices in schools, including student access during instructional hours, school safety plans, and instruction related to the effects of social media in grades six through eight, and including effective date provisions.(Formerly SSB 1065.)

Impact

The bill will significantly impact state education laws by establishing a new framework for managing electronic device usage within the classroom. Each school district will be required to adopt policies that detail how and when students may utilize their devices, which may include restrictions during instructional hours. This will likely lead to a more structured approach to device usage, potentially improving student focus and learning outcomes. Additionally, the bill sets forth a requirement for professional development support for teachers to aid in providing the new curriculum changes effectively.

Summary

Senate File 370 aims to address the use of electronic devices in schools, particularly for students in grades six through eight. This legislation requires the incorporation of education on the effects of social media into the health curriculum within these grades. Furthermore, the bill mandates that school districts establish policies regarding the use of personal electronic devices during instructional hours, commencing in the 2025 school year. These policies aim to clarify acceptable usage and ensure that students have controlled access to their devices during class time.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SF370 include concerns about balancing instructional access with necessary restrictions on electronic devices. While proponents argue the bill can enhance student well-being and focus, critics may contend that overly stringent policies could hinder beneficial uses of technology in education. Furthermore, there are implications regarding the need for adequate resources and training for educators, which could impose additional logistical burdens on school districts already navigating numerous regulatory requirements.

Companion Bills

IA HF782

Similar To A bill for an act relating to electronic devices in schools, including student access during instructional hours and school safety plans, and including effective date provisions. (Formerly HSB 106.) Effective date: 04/30/2025.

IA SSB1065

Related A bill for an act relating to electronic devices in schools, including student access during instructional hours, school safety plans, and instruction related to the effects of social media in grades six through eight, and including effective date provisions.(See SF 370.)

IA HSB106

Related A bill for an act relating to electronic devices in schools, including student access during instructional hours, school safety plans, and instruction related to the effects of social media in grades six through eight, and including effective date provisions.(See HF 782.)

Previously Filed As

IA SSB1065

A bill for an act relating to electronic devices in schools, including student access during instructional hours, school safety plans, and instruction related to the effects of social media in grades six through eight, and including effective date provisions.(See SF 370.)

IA HSB106

A bill for an act relating to electronic devices in schools, including student access during instructional hours, school safety plans, and instruction related to the effects of social media in grades six through eight, and including effective date provisions.(See HF 782.)

IA HF782

A bill for an act relating to electronic devices in schools, including student access during instructional hours and school safety plans, and including effective date provisions. (Formerly HSB 106.) Effective date: 04/30/2025.

IA HF2244

A bill for an act relating to social studies instruction provided to students enrolled in grades seven through twelve, and including applicability provisions. (Formerly HSB 594.)

IA HF520

A bill for an act relating to social studies instruction, including instruction in United States government, provided to students enrolled in grades nine through twelve, and including applicability provisions.(Formerly HF 236.)

IA SF2413

A bill for an act relating to social studies instruction provided to students enrolled in grades seven and eight, and including applicability provisions.(Formerly SF 2121.)

IA SF525

A bill for an act relating to student nutrition, including by modifying the curricula provided to students enrolled in kindergarten through grade twelve to include instruction related to nutrition, modifying provisions related to the agriculture, food, and natural resources component of the career and technical education instruction provided to students enrolled in grades nine through twelve, and modifying provisions related to school meal programs, and including effective date provisions.(Formerly SSB 1158.)

IA SF2121

A bill for an act relating to social studies instruction provided to students enrolled in grades seven through twelve, and including applicability provisions.(See SF 2413.)

IA HSB594

A bill for an act relating to social studies instruction, including instruction in United States government, provided to students enrolled in grades nine through twelve, and including applicability provisions.(See HF 2244.)

IA HF851

A bill for an act relating to student nutrition, including by modifying the curricula provided to students enrolled in kindergarten through grade twelve to include instruction related to nutrition, modifying provisions related to the agriculture, food, and natural resources component of the career and technical education instruction provided to students enrolled in grades nine through twelve, and modifying provisions related to school meal programs, and including effective date and applicability provisions. (Formerly HSB 173.)

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.