Summary

Oregon HB 2426 (Open States or Oregon Legislature) requires school districts to develop policies to govern the use of personal electronic devices in district schools, to determine whether there are free online resources when adopting textbook lists, and to provide professional development related to online resources for specified district employees.

Legislative Analysis

OR HB 2426 directs district school boards to adopt policies for the use of personal electronic devices in district schools. The policies must provide that students may be allowed to use personal electronic devices that support academic activities and independent communications. If the district adopts a curriculum that uses technology, students may be allowed but are not required to use their own personal electronic device for the curriculum. Students using their own devices must be granted access to the same applications and materials as students who are not using their own devices, and at no additional charge. Nothing in this legislation authorizes any employees of or volunteers for the district and its schools to attempt to gain access to a student’s electronic mail or personal online accounts.

The bill also requires that specified school district personnel receive annual professional development related to online resources that enable students with print disabilities to receive instructional materials free of charge. The legislation directs district school boards to consider whether textbooks and instructional materials are available through online resources free of charge to students with print disabilities when adopting textbook and instructional material lists and to make regular review of availability through online resources.

This legislation has a positive impact on digital learning through expanding student access to online resources. It helps districts and schools to work through issues relating to student use of personal electronic devices. It helps to ensure student privacy regarding their personal e-mail and online accounts. It may also serve as a cost-saving measure by enabling students to use their own devices instead of ones purchased by the school district or school.

Legislative History

Detailed Vote History: Legiscan |  Open States

Approved by Governor John Kitzhaber on 5/13/2013