Gov. Ron DeSantis Signs Several New Bills
Tuesday, May 9th, Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill enforcing several educational changes such as the prohibition of student cell phone use during class along with the restriction of the use of the social-media platform TikTok, on school grounds. The social-media measure (HB 379), prohibits the use of TikTok on devices owned by school districts and through internet access provided by districts. On Monday, another bill was signed by the governor to prevent bars from accessing TikTok on state-owned wireless networks.
The law, which will take effect in July, also seeks to prevent students from using cell phones and other wireless devices during “instructional time.” Under the measure, cell phones should not be used during lessons unless “expressly directed by a teacher solely for educational purposes.” In addition to this, teachers will be directed to designate areas for the devices during class. DeSantis described the social-media measure as “reining in the use” of the technology in schools.
Another bill signed Tuesday (HB 1035) spells out the various rights of teachers, including the right to “control and discipline” students. The law states that teachers, “except in cases of excessive force or cruel and unusual punishment, may not be held civilly or criminally liable for actions carried out in conformity with State Board of Education rules.” The measure also includes a process where teachers could challenge certain directives from school districts or school administrators. Teachers who are directed to violate state law or State Board of Education rules could request that the state education commissioner appoint special magistrates to handle such disputes — with the districts footing the bill. The magistrates would in turn recommend a “decision for resolution” to the state board.
By: Kailey Buecker
Sources:
https://www.news4jax.com/news/florida/2023/05/10/desantis-shelves-cell-phones-tiktok-in-schools/https://www.firstpost.com/world/florida-governor-ron-desantis-bans-tiktok-from-schools-and-government-networks-12568732.html
