summary
Introduced
01/28/2026
01/28/2026
In Committee
02/02/2026
02/02/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Requires the Board of Education to adopt a policy that bans the use of phones and related devices by students during school hours, except for instructional purposes, to begin in the 2027-2028 school year.
AI Summary
This bill requires the Board of Education to create and implement a policy that bans students from using phones and similar devices, such as smartwatches, earbuds, AirPods, Bluetooth headphones, and smart glasses, during school hours, starting in the 2027-2028 school year, with an exception for educational uses, and allows for this policy to be put into effect gradually for different school levels. The legislature finds that such devices can negatively impact student focus, academic performance, and social interaction, and notes that many other states have adopted similar restrictions.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (19)
David Alcos (R)*,
Diamond Garcia (R)*,
Andrew Garrett (D)*,
Kirstin Kahaloa (D)*,
Jeanné Kapela (D)*,
Susan Keohokapu-Lee Loy (D)*,
Darius Kila (D)*,
Nicole Lowen (D)*,
Lisa Marten (D)*,
Ikaika Olds (D)*,
Amy Perruso (D)*,
Elijah Pierick (R)*,
Mahina Poepoe (D)*,
Julie Reyes Oda (R)*,
Garner Shimizu (R)*,
Gregg Takayama (D)*,
Adrian Tam (D)*,
David Tarnas (D)*,
Justin Woodson (D)*,
Last Action
The committee(s) on EDN recommend(s) that the measure be deferred. (on 02/12/2026)
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.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=2563&year=2026 |
| HB2563_TESTIMONY_EDN_02-12-26_ | https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2026/Testimony/HB2563_TESTIMONY_EDN_02-12-26_.PDF |
| BillText | https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2026/bills/HB2563_.HTM |
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