Bill > AB235

This bill amends California Education Code to provide clearer guidance on school smartphone policies, requiring school districts, county boards of education, and charter schools to develop and adopt a policy by July 1, 2026 that limits or prohibits student smartphone use during school hours. The policy can include either a "schedule-based restriction policy" (which allows limited smartphone use during certain times like breaks) or a "full-day restriction policy" (which prohibits smartphone use throughout the entire school day). The bill emphasizes that policy development should involve significant stakeholder participation and aims to promote evidence-based smartphone practices that support student learning and well-being. The legislation preserves exceptions for emergencies, medical needs, individualized education program requirements, and situations where a teacher or administrator grants specific permission. Importantly, the bill also encourages schools to improve media literacy through classes, extracurricular opportunities, and other initiatives to help students learn responsible technology use. If the bill imposes additional costs on local educational agencies, the state would be required to provide reimbursement through established statutory procedures.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB235