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HD 2819

An Act prohibiting cell phone usage during the school day

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jeff Turco

Massachusetts districts must ban student cell phone use during the school day, with limited exceptions for emergencies or staff authorization.

Senate concurred
0
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Bill Summary · HD 2819

Summary of HB 2819: An Act prohibiting cell phone usage during the school day

Overview

HB 2819, titled An Act prohibiting cell phone usage during the school day, proposes to require every school district in Massachusetts to adopt and maintain a policy that prohibits students from using cell phones or other personal electronic devices during the school day, with limited exceptions. The bill is a proposed measure introduced in the 2025-2026 legislative session and has advanced to Senate concurrence after passing the House.

What the bill would do

  • Require each school district superintendent to implement and maintain a district-wide policy that prohibits student use of cell phones and other personal electronic devices during the school day.
  • Allow usage only when authorized by a teacher or administrator or in cases of emergency.
  • Mandate an annual reporting requirement: superintendents must submit the district policy to the school board each year.

Key provisions

  • Section 101(a): Prohibits student use of cell phones or other personal electronic devices during the school day, with exceptions for teacher/administrator authorization or emergencies.
  • Section 101(b): Requires annual submission of the policy to the school board.
  • Scope: Applies to all school districts within the Commonwealth and becomes part of Chapter 71 of the General Laws (as an added section).

Who would be affected

  • Students, who would face restrictions on personal electronic device use during the school day.
  • School districts and superintendents, who would be responsible for adopting, implementing, and maintaining the policy.
  • School boards, which would receive annual policy submissions for review.
  • Teachers and administrators, who would serve as authorized individuals to permit device use in specific circumstances.

Implementation and timeline

  • Introduced/ Filed: January 16, 2025 (House No. 720; Rep. Turco)
  • Referred to the Senate Committee on Education (as part of the standard process).
  • Status: Senate concurred (the measure has advanced toward final enactment, subject to any remaining conference or enrollments typical of the bicameral process).

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Clarity and consistency: Establishes a uniform expectation across districts, potentially reducing classroom disruptions.
  • Enforcement details: The bill sets policy requirements but does not specify penalties or disciplinary procedures; enforcement would depend on local district policies.
  • Equity and practicality: Districts may need resources for policy development, staff training, and parent/student communication.
  • Safety and emergencies: Explicit allowance for emergency use supports safety needs.

Note

The bill is classified as a proposed bill and, if enacted, would add Section 101 to Chapter 71 of the General Laws. The current text focuses on policy adoption, annual reporting, and clearly defined exceptions.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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