(1) As used in this section:
(a)
(i) "AI glasses" means wearable eyewear, whether prescription or non-prescription, that:
- (A) incorporates one or more sensors, including cameras, microphones, accelerometers, gyroscopes, or biometric sensors;
- (B) uses artificial intelligence, machine learning algorithms, or neural networks to process, analyze, or interpret data captured by the sensors in real-time or near real-time;
- (C) provides information, overlays, translations, identification, or other augmented content to the wearer through visual displays, audio output, or haptic feedback; and
- (D) may transmit, store, or share data to external devices, networks, or cloud-based services.
(ii) "AI glasses" does not include:
- (A) prescription eyeglasses or sunglasses without electronic components;
- (B) wearable devices used solely for reading glasses or vision correction without data collection or processing capabilities;
- (C) protective eyewear that contains only passive sensors without artificial intelligence processing capabilities; or
- (D) virtual reality headsets designed primarily for immersive gaming or entertainment that are not suitable for continuous wear in public settings.
(b) "Cellphone" means a handheld, portable electronic device that is designed to be operated using one or both hands and is capable of transmitting and receiving voice, data, or text communication by means of:
- (i) a cellular network;
- (ii) a satellite network; or
- (iii) any other wireless technology.
(c) "Cellphone" includes:
- (i) a smartphone;
- (ii) a feature phone;
- (iii) a mobile phone;
- (iv) a satellite phone; or
- (v) a personal digital assistant that incorporates capabilities similar to a smartphone, feature phone, mobile phone, or satellite phone.
(d) "Classroom hours" means:
(i) time during which a student receives scheduled, teacher-supervised instruction that occurs:
- (A) in a physical or virtual classroom setting;
- (B) during regular school operating hours; and
- (C) as part of an approved educational curriculum.
(ii) "Classroom hours" does not include:
- (A) lunch periods;
- (B) recess;
- (C) transit time between classes;
- (D) study halls unless directly supervised by a qualified instructor;
- (E) after-school activities unless part of an approved extended learning program; or
- (F) independent study time occurring outside scheduled instruction.
(e)
- (i) "Emerging technology" means any other device that has or will be able to act in place of or as an extension of an individual's cellphone.
- (ii) "Emerging technology" does not include school provided or required devices.
- (f) "Smart watch" means a wearable computing device that closely resembles a wristwatch or other time-keeping device with the capacity to act in place of or as an extension of an individual's cellphone.
(g) "Smart watch" does not include a wearable device that can only:
- (i) tell time;
- (ii) monitor an individual's health informatics;
- (iii) receive and display notifications or information without the capability to respond; or
- (iv) track the individual's physical location.
(2)
(a) An LEA:
(i) shall establish a policy that allows a student to use a cellphone, smart watch, AI glasses, or emerging technology:
- (A) to respond to an imminent threat to the health or safety of an individual;
- (B) to respond to a school-wide emergency;
- (C) to use the SafeUT Crisis Line described in Section 53H-4-210;
- (D) for a student's IEP or Section 504 accommodation plan; or
- (E) to address a medical necessity; and
- (ii) may establish a policy that provides for other circumstances when a student may use a cellphone, smart watch, AI glasses, or emerging technology.
(b) An LEA may establish policies that:
(i) extend restrictions on student use of cellphones, smart watches, or emerging technologies to non-classroom hours during the school day, including:
- (A) lunch periods;
- (B) transition times between classes; and
- (C) other school-supervised activities; and
- (ii) impose additional limitations on the use of cellphones, smart watches, or emerging technologies beyond those required by this section.
- (3) Except as provided in Subsection (2), a student may not use a cellphone, smart watch, AI glasses, or emerging technology at a school during classroom hours.
- (4) The state board may create one or more model policies regarding when a student may use a student's cellphone, smart watch, AI glasses, or emerging technology in a school during classroom hours consistent with this section.
Amended by Chapter 170, 2026 General Session