Bill > HB818

This bill requires local school boards in Mississippi to develop and implement age-appropriate cell phone policies for public schools that restrict student cell phone use during the academic school day from bell to bell (from the first morning bell to the final dismissal bell, including lunch and between-class periods). The bill defines cell phones broadly and establishes different policy requirements for elementary (K-5), middle (6-8), and high schools (9-12), with each level having specific guidelines for device storage and use. Key provisions include: prohibiting cell phone use during instructional time, allowing exceptions for students with individualized education plans or health needs, ensuring students cannot be suspended or expelled for cell phone policy violations, requiring schools to provide alternative communication methods for emergencies, and mandating that school districts develop policies for off-site events. The bill also requires school boards to incorporate emergency best practices into their comprehensive school safety plans, publicly share communication protocols, and post their cell phone policies on their websites. Importantly, while schools must restrict cell phone use, the bill does not mandate a complete ban, giving some flexibility to individual school districts in implementing their policies. The new regulations will take effect on July 1, 2025, giving schools time to prepare and develop appropriate policies.

Education

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB0818.xml