Bill > SB2624

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 (defined as "bell-to-bell", including lunch and between classes). The policies must differ by school level: elementary schools must require cell phones to be completely turned off and stored, middle schools must store and turn off devices during the school day, and high schools must also store devices during instructional time but may allow use before and after school. The bill explicitly prohibits suspending or expelling students for cell phone policy violations and mandates that schools provide alternative communication methods for emergencies. Schools must also incorporate emergency best practices into their safety plans and clearly communicate these plans to parents. The policies must minimize disruption to teaching, avoid involving school resource officers in enforcement, and make exceptions for students with specific educational or medical needs who require device access. Notably, the bill allows schools flexibility in exactly how they implement these restrictions, requiring only that they have a comprehensive policy that reduces electronic device distractions while maintaining student safety and communication capabilities. The new regulations will take effect on July 1, 2025, giving schools ample time to develop and implement compliant policies.