summary
Introduced
02/06/2025
02/06/2025
In Committee
03/21/2025
03/21/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Amends the School Code. Provides that a school board shall establish appropriate rules and disciplinary procedures governing the use or possession of cellular radio telecommunication devices by a student, including rules that restrict the use of cellular radio telecommunication devices during instructional time (instead of providing that the school board may establish appropriate rules and disciplinary procedures governing the use or possession of cellular radio telecommunication devices by a student). Provides that a school board may create exceptions to these rules, including exceptions for school-based emergencies, individual student and family emergencies, and individualized education program and federal Section 504 plan accommodations and to allow for teacher discretion.
AI Summary
This bill amends the School Code to change how school boards manage cellular radio telecommunication devices (cell phones) in schools. Previously, school boards "may" establish rules about cell phone use, but now they "shall" establish such rules, making it a requirement. The bill mandates that school boards create rules governing student cell phone use during school hours, with a specific focus on restricting device use during instructional time. Recognizing that cell phones can be both disruptive and potentially useful in emergencies, the legislation allows school boards to create exceptions to these rules. These exceptions can include situations like school-based emergencies, individual student or family emergencies, accommodations for students with individualized education programs (IEPs) or Section 504 plans, and allowing teacher discretion in managing cell phone use. The underlying intent of the bill is to balance the need for a focused learning environment with the potential safety benefits of allowing students to have communication devices, giving schools more structured guidance on how to manage cell phone use.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee (on 03/21/2025)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=2964&GAID=18&DocTypeID=HB&SessionID=114&GA=104 |
| BillText | https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/104/HB/10400HB2964.htm |
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