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Bill > SB2099
MS SB2099
MS SB2099Education; require public schools to adopt policies prohibiting or restricting cell phone possession or use by students in class.
summary
Introduced
01/09/2026
01/09/2026
In Committee
02/06/2026
02/06/2026
Crossed Over
02/04/2026
02/04/2026
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An Act To Require Each Public School District, Public Charter School And Agricultural High School, And Certain State High Schools, To Adopt And Send To The State Department Of Education, No Later Than January 1, 2027, A Specific Policy Banning The Possession, Or Restricting The Use, Of Cell Phones By Students During Class Or While Under The Supervision And Control Of A School Employee; To Provide That, If A School Or School District Fails To Adopt And Transmit A Policy As Required, The State Department Of Education Shall Deduct One Day's Worth Of The School's Or District's Funds Under The Total Funding Formula For Each Day After January 1, 2027, That The School Or District Is Noncompliant; To Provide For Potential Exceptions Which Allow Students To Possess Or Use Cell Phones Under Certain Circumstances; To Provide That Sufficient Cause For Suspension Or Expulsion May Not Consist Of Only A Violation Of The Cell Phone Possession And Use Policy Developed And Implemented Under This Act, Except That Suspension May Be Used As A Disciplinary Measure Of Last Resort; And For Related Purposes.
AI Summary
This bill requires all public school districts, public charter schools, agricultural high schools, and certain state-run schools to establish and submit a policy to the State Department of Education by January 1, 2027, that either bans or restricts students from possessing or using cell phones during class or when under school supervision. If a school or district fails to comply, the State Department of Education will withhold one day's worth of funding for each day of noncompliance. The bill allows for exceptions to these policies, such as for emergencies, when a medical professional deems it necessary for a student's health, or when required by a student's individualized education program (IEP), which is a plan developed for students with disabilities. Importantly, a violation of this cell phone policy alone cannot be grounds for suspension or expulsion, though suspension can be used as a final disciplinary action.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Referred To Education;Accountability, Efficiency, Transparency (on 02/06/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/SB/SB2099.xml |
| BillText | https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/documents/2026/html/SB/2001-2099/SB2099PS.htm |
| BillText | https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/documents/2026/html/SB/2001-2099/SB2099IN.htm |
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