Prohibit Fees for Confiscated Student Devices in Schools.

 

This bill is to ensure that Minnesota students are not required to pay fines or fees when their personal devices are

confiscated and to prevent excessive withholding of student property by school staff.

 

Some Minnesota schools confiscate student devices and charge fees or require parent pickup, which can unfairly punish

students and families, especially low-income families. Fees range from $3-$25 or more, and requiring a parent to pick up

the device can create unnecessary logistical challenges. This bill ensures that discipline is fair and equitable by:

1. Prohibiting fees or fines for returning a confiscated device.

2. Allowing students to retrieve their devices with parent/guardian permission verified by the school.

3. Limiting how long schools can hold devices, including automatic return before the end of the business week if the

48-hour period overlaps a weekend or school closure.

 

1. “Cellphone fine’ means any monetary charge imposed on a student or their parent/guardian for the return of a

confiscated cellphone or other devices.

2. “School” means any public school district, charter school, or alternative learning program in Minnesota

2. “Confiscation period” means the length of time a school may retain a student’s phone or other devices, such as

laptops, watches, tablets, etc.

4. “48-hour rule” - A school may not retain a confiscated device for more than 48 hours unless it is part of a law

enforcement investigation or involves criminal behavior or threats.

5. “Business week clause” - If the 48-hour period ends on a weekend or school closure, the device must be automatically

returned to the student before the end of the business week.

6. “Parent/guardian permission” - Written or electronic authorization from a parent or guardian allowing the student to

retrieve their confiscated device, verified by the school.

 

No additional funding is required. Schools will adjust discipline procedures without extra cost.

 

1. Schools may not charge fees or fines for returning confiscated devices.

2. Schools may not hold devices beyond the 48-hour rule or the business week limit.

3. First violation: Written warning issued to the school district by the Minnesota Department of Education.

Subsequent violations: Administrative review and a potential $200 fee per violation.

4. School districts must update handbooks within one year of passage.

Students may retrieve devices before the 48-hour limit if parent/guardian permission is given and verified by the

school.

 

This act becomes effective on July 1st, 2026.