This bill, titled SF No 508, proposes changes to education policy regarding the use of cell phones in schools in Minnesota. The main points of the bill include:

1. Policy Requirement: All school districts or charter schools are required to create a policy on the possession and use of cell phones by students. This policy must be developed by March 15, 2025, with the help of best practices made available by the Minnesota Elementary School Principals Association and the Minnesota Association of Secondary School Principals.

2. Cell Phone Ban: Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, the policy will prohibit cell phones and smart watches in schools for students from kindergarten through 8th grade, and in classrooms for students in grades 9 through 12. Exceptions may be made for medical needs, educational programs for students with disabilities, or other cases at the discretion of the school principal.

3. Financial Appropriations: The bill allocates funds from the general fund to the Department of Education for specific purposes:

   • To contract for a statewide campaign educating on the negative effects of screen overuse among children. This campaign will target parents and caregivers and will run throughout a student's education from early childhood through grade 12.
   • To provide grants to schools to help them implement these new cell phone use policies. These grants can cover one-time expenses related to implementing the policy but cannot be used for ongoing costs like salaries for enforcement.

Overall, the bill aims to regulate cell phone usage in schools to minimize potential distractions and negative impacts on students' mental health and academic performance, while also providing financial support for implementing these regulations.