NMSA 22-1-17. Wireless communication device; definition; policy; use of
AI-assisted research summary: School districts and charter schools must adopt a wireless communication device policy by August 1, 2025, and publish it on their website after adoption.
22-1-17. Wireless communication device; definition; policy; use of device by students. A. As used in this section, "wireless communication device" means a portable electronic device capable of transmitting voice, text or data, including a: (1) cellular phone, smartphone or smartwatch; (2) tablet computer; (3) laptop computer; or (4) gaming device. B. No later than August 1, 2025, each school district and charter school shall adopt and implement a wireless communication device policy. The department shall issue guidelines outlining the minimum requirements for a wireless communication device policy, including that a policy may: (1) prohibit a student from using a wireless communication device during instructional hours; (2) authorize a teacher to permit a student to use a wireless communication device for educational purposes during instructional hours; (3) permit a student to use a wireless communication device in the event of an emergency or to manage the student's health care; (4) permit a student to use a wireless communication device for accessibility purposes, including text-to-speech, speech-to-text or other assistive technologies that aid in communication, navigation or learning; (5) provide protections for student privacy and confidentiality related to the permissible use of a wireless communication device at school; (6) provide for the permissible use of a wireless communication device during non-instructional hours; and (7) provide for consequences for violation of the wireless communication device policy. C. A wireless communication device policy adopted and implemented pursuant to this section shall not prohibit a student from using during instructional hours: (1) text-to-speech, speech-to-text or other assistive technologies that aid in communication, navigation or learning; or (2) a wireless communication device if the use of the device is a medical necessity, an accommodation for a student with a disability or included in a student's individualized education program. D. Upon adoption of a wireless communication device policy, each school district or charter school shall publish the policy on the school district's or charter school's website. History: Laws 2025, ch. 155, § 1. ARTICLE 2 Public Education Department and Commission