Bill > SB139

This bill requires Oklahoma school district boards of education to adopt a policy prohibiting students from using cell phones and personal electronic devices during the school day, specifically from "bell to bell" (the time between the first morning bell and the final dismissal bell). For the 2025-2026 school year, the policy will be mandatory, and districts must include specific disciplinary procedures for violations. Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, the policy becomes optional. The bill defines "personal electronic devices" broadly, including smart watches, smart headphones, laptops, tablets, and smart glasses, but excludes school-issued devices used for classroom instruction. The policy may include exceptions for emergency use or student health monitoring needs. By establishing clear guidelines, the bill aims to minimize distractions and potentially improve student focus during instructional time. The comprehensive approach allows for some flexibility while setting a baseline expectation for managing electronic device use in schools.