Signed by Governor Dan Malloy

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass with amendment a bill that authorizes school officials to search students' phones under certain circumstances.

Highlights:

• Authorizes a school employee to take custody of a student’s mobile electronic devices if the device is located on school property, or is being used during a school sponsored activity and the employee has reasonable suspicion that the student has violated an educational policy (Sec. 1).

• Requires a school employee in such an instance to immediately turn over said electronic device to an administrator (Sec. 1).

• Requires the school employee that has taken custody and turned over a mobile electronic device to immediately submit a written report to the principal that explains the reasonable suspicion that caused the school employee to take custody of such device (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that an administrator’s search of a student’s mobile electronic device will be limited to finding evidence of the suspected policy violation or preventing imminent personal injury to other students (Sec. 1).

• Defines “Mobile electronic device” as any handheld or portable electronic equipment capable of providing data communication between two or more individuals (Sec. 1).

• Defines “School employee” as the following, including, but not limited to (Sec. 1):

• a teacher, substitute teacher, administrator, school superintendent;

• Guidance or school counselor, psychologists, social worker, nurse, or physician;

• Paraprofessional or coach employed by a local board of education; and

• Any other individual who has regular contact with students and their job.

• Defines “School sponsored activity” as an activity sponsored, recognized, or authorized by a board of education and includes activities conducted on or off school property (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text