Policy prohibiting the use of certain electronic devices in DODEA schools

(a) In general The Director shall establish and maintain a policy pursuant to which the use of covered electronic devices by students in schools operated by the Department of Defense Education Activity is prohibited during regular school hours. (b) Additional requirements and exceptions (1) Requirements The policy required under subsection (a)— (A) shall provide administrators of individual schools with a degree of flexibility to determine the methods of enforcing the policy at their school, subject to such limits as the Director determines appropriate; and (B) shall include procedures that enable parents and children to contact each other during the school day in the event of an emergency. (2) Exceptions The policy required under subsection (a) shall include exceptions pursuant to which a student may use a covered electronic device— (A) in an emergency situation; (B) on school grounds outside of regular school hours, such as while awaiting transportation to or from school or while participating in extracurricular activities; (C) if the student has a medical or health condition requiring use of a covered electronic device as part of a treatment or monitoring plan as certified by a licensed healthcare provider; (D) if the student has a disability or special needs and the use of a covered electronic device is documented as necessary— (i) as part of an individualized education program; (ii) as an accommodation under section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794) or the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.); or (iii) under a similar policy or program of the Department of Defense Education Activity; (E) if the student is an English learner and requires the use of a covered electronic device to assist with learning or understanding the English language; and (F) in such other circumstances as the Director determines appropriate. (c) Consultation In developing the policy under subsection (a), the Director shall consult with— (1) the Chief Academic Officer and the District Superintendents of the Department of Defense Education Activity; and (2) School Advisory Committees for schools operated by the Activity. (d) Implementation The policy required under subsection (a) shall be established not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act and shall apply with respect to school years beginning after the date on which the policy is established.