Bill > SB1014

This bill mandates that by the start of the 2027-2028 school year, all school entities, which include school districts, intermediate units, area career and technical schools, and charter schools, must implement a "bell-to-bell phone-free policy" prohibiting the use of personal mobile devices by students during the entire school day while on school property, with specific exceptions for students with documented medical conditions, those with an individualized education program or 504 service agreement requiring device use, English learners needing translation tools, or when a teacher instructs students to use their device as an instructional tool under strict conditions and with principal approval. The policy must also outline how students' possession of mobile devices will be restricted, and while school entities are not required to take possession of devices, they are protected from liability for damaged or lost devices if an employee acts in good faith to secure them according to policy. Before adopting or amending such a policy, school entities must allow for public comment from parents, employees, and students, and are encouraged to engage in a broader stakeholder process. The policy must be posted online and the department notified, and parents will receive information on how to contact their child during the school day and sign up for emergency notifications. The bill also defines key terms such as "mobile device" and "school day" to clarify the scope of the policy.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/sb1014