North Dakota House advances bill requiring school cellphone policy

North Dakota school districts would be required to develop a cellphone policy but retain control over what is in that policy under a bill passed Monday by the House.

House Bill 1160 originally banned cellphone use by public school students during class but was made less restrictive. 

“I believe in local control,” Rep. Brandy Pyle, R-Casselton. “I think it’s a great option.” 

School cellphone policies must include exceptions for medical monitoring and emergency situations.

Rep. Jim Kasper, R-Fargo, voted for the bill but said he was disappointed that it didn’t include more policy guidelines. He said he withdrew a separate student cellphone bill because of House Bill 1160. 

The bill advances to the Senate.

Meanwhile, a hearing is scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday in the Senate Education Committee on Senate Bill 2300, which requires school districts to securely store student cellphones during the school day.

Senate Bill 2353 also addresses school phone policies. A hearing on that bill has not yet been scheduled.