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Bill

HB 525

County Boards of Education - Student Electronic Communication Device Use Policy - Establishment (Joanne C. Benson Maryland Phone-Free Schools Act)

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Adrian Boafo and 16 co-sponsors

Maryland would require school boards to establish policies limiting student smartphone use during school days, with flexibility in implementation by district and grade level.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 596
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Bill Summary · HB 525

Legislative bill overview

HB 525, the Maryland Phone-Free Schools Act, would require county boards of education to establish policies restricting student use of electronic communication devices (primarily smartphones) during the school day. The bill mandates that boards develop and implement these policies while allowing flexibility in how restrictions are applied across different grade levels and school settings.

Why is this important

Student smartphone use during school hours has become a widespread concern affecting classroom engagement, academic performance, and mental health. This bill addresses growing national momentum toward phone-free schools by giving local education boards authority to regulate device usage, potentially impacting how Maryland's approximately 875,000 public school students interact with technology during instruction.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation variance: Allowing county-level discretion may create inconsistent policies across Maryland, potentially disadvantaging students in districts with minimal restrictions versus those with stricter rules
  • Accessibility concerns: Restrictions could limit legitimate educational uses of smartphones (learning apps, accessibility features for students with disabilities) and emergency communication capabilities for student safety
  • Enforcement challenges: Schools may struggle with practical enforcement, student compliance, and resource allocation needed to monitor and confiscate devices consistently

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

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