A bill for an act relating to student access to personal electronic devices in schools.

House File 273 is a bill introduced in the Iowa General Assembly on February 10, 2025, aimed at regulating student use of personal electronic devices in schools. The bill mandates that by December 31, 2025, all school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools adopt policies prohibiting students from using personal electronic devices during classroom instructional time. 'Personal electronic devices' are defined as cellular phones or devices that combine a cellular phone with a handheld computer offering internet access and text or email capabilities. The policies must include specific provisions and be made publicly available, provided to the Department of Education, included in student handbooks, and communicated to parents or guardians.

Supporters of HF273 argue that restricting personal electronic devices during instructional time will minimize distractions, enhance student engagement, and improve academic performance. They believe that such policies will create a more focused learning environment and help students develop better attention spans and interpersonal skills.

Critics of HF273 contend that outright bans on personal electronic devices may overlook the potential educational benefits these tools can offer. They argue that such policies could hinder the integration of technology in education and fail to prepare students for a digital world. Additionally, concerns have been raised about the enforcement of these policies and the potential for unequal application among students.