H.R. 4006 — Mission UNPLUGGED Act

This section directs the Director of the Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA) to establish, within 180 days of the date of enactment, a policy prohibiting student use of covered electronic devices during regular school hours in DODEA-operated schools. The policy must (1) allow school administrators flexibility in enforcement methods, subject to Director limits; (2) include procedures for parent-child contact during emergencies; and (3) provide exceptions for emergencies, use outside regular hours (e.g., awaiting transportation or during extracurriculars), medical conditions certified by a healthcare provider, disabilities or special needs documented in an individualized education program or as an accommodation under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794) or the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, English language learning needs, and other circumstances as determined by the Director. In developing the policy, the Director must consult DODEA's Chief Academic Officer, district superintendents, and school advisory committees; the policy applies to school years beginning after its establishment.

This section authorizes the Director to provide support to schools operated by the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) for implementing the policy required under section 2, including procurement of lockboxes or other storage for covered electronic devices during the school day and other support as determined appropriate. It authorizes appropriations of $1,207,500 for FY2026.

This section requires the Director to submit to the Senate and House Armed Services Committees a report on the status of implementation of the policy required under section 2, not later than one year after that policy takes effect and annually thereafter for the following four years. Each report must describe, at a minimum, (1) how the policy has been implemented in the covered year, (2) the cost of implementation, and (3) any effects of the policy on student performance and mental health, teacher and student retention, and other relevant outcomes.

This section defines the following terms for purposes of the Act: (1) covered electronic devices as cellular phones, including smartphones, and any other personal electronic devices the Director determines are likely to distract students during the school day and appropriate for inclusion in the prohibition under section 2; (2) Director as the Director of the Department of Defense Education Activity; (3) English learner as having the meaning given that term in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801); and (4) individualized education program as having the meaning given that term in section 602 of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1401).