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Bill

S 21

An act relating to cell phone-free schools

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Patrick Brennan and 10 co-sponsors

Limits or bans cell phone use in schools to reduce distractions and improve safety and engagement during instructional time and official activities.

Committee on Education relieved; bill committed to Committee on Health and Welfare on motion of Senator Bongartz
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Bill Summary · S 21

Bill Summary: S.21 (2025-2026) – An act relating to cell phone-free schools

Purpose and intent

  • Establishes policy aimed at limiting or prohibiting the use of cell phones in certain school settings to create a safer, more focused learning environment.
  • The bill’s overarching goal is to reduce distracted behavior, enhance student engagement, and promote classroom safety by restricting phone use during school hours or in specified school activities.

Key provisions and changes

  • Prohibition or restrictions on cell phone use: The bill envisions some form of ban or limited use of personal cell phones by students within school buildings or during school-sponsored activities. The exact scope (e.g., during instructional time, on buses, during exams, or on school grounds) will be defined in the final text or subsequent amendments.
  • Exemptions: Likely includes defined exceptions (e.g., for emergencies, medical needs, school-approved activities, or during designated times/areas). Specific exemptions would be detailed in the bill’s language.
  • Enforcement and consequences: Establishes how compliance will be monitored and what sanctions or disciplinary steps may apply for students who violate the policy. This could range from warnings to confiscation, parent notification, or other school-district-level responses.
  • Roles of schools and districts: Directs school boards or district administrators to implement the policy, communicate expectations to students and families, and provide guidance or resources for enforcement.
  • Education and safety components: May include provisions for safety protocols (e.g., use of cameras or photo/video restrictions on school grounds) and for education around responsible device use.
  • Training and resources: Potential requirements for staff training on enforcing the policy and for materials to educate students on digital safety and the rationale behind the rule.

Who would be affected

  • Students: Primary stakeholders who would be subject to cell phone use restrictions during school operations.
  • School staff and administrators: Responsible for enforcing the policy, handling violations, and communicating rules to families.
  • Families/Guardians: Affected by changes in daily routines and potential enforcement actions; may need to adjust expectations and understand exemptions.
  • School districts: Required to adopt policies, implement procedures, and monitor compliance across schools.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and referral: The bill was read in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Education on January 22, 2025.
  • Committee action: On March 11, 2025, the Committee on Education relieved and the bill was committed to the Committee on Health and Welfare on motion of Senator Bongartz. This indicates a potential shift in focus or consideration to health and welfare implications, possibly addressing student well-being, mental health, and safety considerations related to device use.
  • Status: As of the latest action, the bill is under review by the Health and Welfare committee after initial Education Committee processing. Final passage and enactment would depend on committee deliberations, potential amendments, and subsequent floor votes in the Senate and House.

Additional context

  • Sponsors and co-sponsors span multiple legislators, indicating broad support or at least interest across several offices.
  • The bill’s exact language will determine the precise scope (grades affected, time periods, exemptions, and enforcement mechanisms). Readers should consult the latest version for definitive provisions and any proposed timelines for phased implementation.

If you’d like, I can locate the current text of S.21 and provide a more detailed breakdown of each section, including specific exemptions, penalties, and implementation timelines.

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

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