GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 2025

S                                                                                                                                                     1

SENATE BILL 913

Short Title:      Screen Free Schools.		(Public)
Sponsors:	Senator Burgin (Primary Sponsor).
Referred to:	Rules and Operations of the Senate

April 30, 2026

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT to further limit the use of wireless communication devices in schools.

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.  G.S. 115C‑76.100 reads as rewritten:

"§ 115C‑76.100.  Regulation of wireless communication devices.

(a)        The following definitions apply in this section:

(1)        Wireless communication device. – Any portable wireless device that has the capability to provide voice, messaging, or other data communication between two or more parties, including the following:

a.         Cellular telephones.

b.         Tablet computers.

c.         Laptop computers.

d.         Paging devices.

e.         Two‑way radios.

f.          Gaming devices.

g. Smart watches.

(2)        Wireless communication policy. – A policy governing the use of wireless communication devices by students.

(b)        The governing body of a public school unit shall establish a wireless communication policy. At a minimum, except as permitted in subsection (c) of this section, the policy shall prohibit students from using, displaying, or having a wireless communication device turned on during instructional time.as follows:

(1) For students in kindergarten through grade eight, at any time on school premises.

(2) For students in grades nine through 12, at any point during the school day except as required for assessments issued as part of the Statewide Testing Program pursuant to Part 2 of Article 10A of this Chapter. Policies established pursuant to this subdivision may allow wireless communication devices prior to the start of the school day or after the conclusion of the school day.

(c)        A wireless communication policy shall allow student use of a wireless communication device during instructional time as follows:

(1) If authorized by a teacher for educational purposes or for use in the event of an emergency. The governing body may establish parameters to be followed by a teacher in granting authorizations.

(2)        As required by the student's individualized education program or section 504 (29 U.S.C. § 794) plan.

(3)        As required to manage a student's health care, in accordance with a documented medical condition.

…."

SECTION 2.  There is appropriated from the General Fund to the Department of Public Instruction the sum of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) in nonrecurring funds for the 2026‑2027 fiscal year to provide support to governing bodies of public school units in implementing policies pursuant to G.S. 115C‑76.100, as amended by this act.

SECTION 3.  This act becomes effective July 1, 2026.