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HB 2975

Changes to the practice of optometry

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Trenton Barnhart and 9 co-sponsors

Public school boards must ban student use of cellular phones in class across Illinois, with limited exceptions.

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Bill Summary · HB 2975

Summary — HB 2975 (104th General Assembly, 2025)

Title: Relating to crimes constituting domestic violence; and prescribing an effective date.
(Note: the operative content of this bill amends the Illinois School Code to restrict student use of cellular telephones in school.)

Purpose / Intent

HB 2975 amends the Illinois School Code to require school boards to prohibit students from using cellular telephones in school or on school property while attending class. The intent is to standardize a classroom-use ban across school districts, replacing prior permissive language that left such rules to local board discretion.

Key provisions

  • Adds two new sections to the School Code:
    • 105 ILCS 5/10-20.88 (new)
    • 105 ILCS 5/34-18.14a (new)
  • Each new section: “The board shall prohibit a student from using a cellular telephone in a school or on school property while the student is attending class.”
  • Exceptions: the prohibition does not apply during lunch, recess, passing periods, or emergency situations.
  • Repeals previous sections that allowed school boards to establish rules and disciplinary procedures governing the use or possession of cellular radio telecommunication devices (105 ILCS 5/10-20.28 and 105 ILCS 5/34-18.14).

Who is affected

  • Public school boards and school districts across Illinois must adopt and enforce a ban on student cell phone use while students are attending class.
  • Students and school staff (teachers, administrators, support staff) will be subject to the new classroom-use restriction.
  • Parents and guardians will be affected in terms of communications and drop-off/pick-up procedures.
  • Private schools are generally not governed by the School Code provisions and thus are not directly affected by this statutory change.

Implementation and procedural timeline

  • Introduced by Rep. Curtis J. Tarver, II (filed Feb 6/18, 2025).
  • Passed both chambers, signed by legislative leaders and the Governor (Governor signed June 5, 2025).
  • Enacted as Chapter 271 (2025 Laws). Effective on the 91st day following adjournment sine die of the General Assembly.

Notes and potential impacts

  • The bill focuses on “use” of cellular telephones during class; it does not define “cellular telephone” or expressly address possession, storage, or specific disciplinary measures. Repeal of the prior permissive provisions may reduce local flexibility regarding possession and discipline unless districts adopt implementing rules under other code authority.
  • Districts will need to update policies, communicate rules to families and staff, and determine enforcement/discipline approaches consistent with this statute.
  • The bill includes a State Mandates Act note indicating it may require reimbursement obligations (potential fiscal/administrative impacts for districts).

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

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