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AB 235

Pupils: use of smartphones.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Joaquin Arambula

LEAs must adopt smartphone-use policies by 7/1/2026, choosing full-day or schedule-based limits to support learning and well-being, with stakeholder input and exceptions.

In committee: Hearing postponed by committee.
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Bill Summary · AB 235

AB 235 (Arambula) — Summary: Pupils — use of smartphones

Status: Introduced Jan 13, 2025. In committee; most recent action: hearing postponed by committee (May 14, 2025).
Subject: Pupils — use of smartphones

Purpose / intent

AB 235 clarifies and expressly authorizes how local education agencies (LEAs) may limit or prohibit pupil smartphone use on school property or while students are under school supervision. The bill directs LEAs to adopt evidence‑based policies intended to support student learning and well‑being and to involve stakeholders in policy development.

Key provisions

  • Deadline and update cycle

    • Requires the governing board of a school district, county board of education, or charter school to develop and adopt a smartphone restriction policy no later than July 1, 2026.
    • Requires the policy to be reviewed and updated every 5 years.

  • Policy options authorized

    • Authorizes two nonexclusive models:
    • Full‑day restriction policy: prohibits smartphone use for pupils during the entire school day (instructional time, lunch/free periods, passing time).
    • Schedule‑based restriction policy: prohibits smartphone use at specified times (e.g., during instruction) and permits limited use at other times (e.g., breaks, lunch).

  • Goals and development

    • Policy goal: promote evidence‑based smartphone practices that support pupil learning and well‑being.
    • Requires significant stakeholder participation (pupils, parents, educators, etc.) in policy development.
    • Policies may include enforcement mechanisms that limit access to smartphones.

  • Preserved exceptions

    • Pupils may possess or use smartphones in the following circumstances:
    • Emergency or perceived threat to safety.
    • With teacher/administrator permission (subject to reasonable limits).
    • When a licensed physician determines use is necessary for health/well‑being.
    • When required by a pupil’s Individualized Education Program (IEP).

  • Privacy limits

    • The bill specifies that it does not authorize monitoring, collecting, or otherwise accessing information about a pupil’s online activities.

  • State‑mandated local program / reimbursement

    • Declares the bill imposes additional duties on LEAs and would be a state‑mandated local program; if the Commission on State Mandates finds costs are mandated, reimbursement is required under existing law.

Who is affected

  • Primary: LEAs (school districts, county offices of education, charter schools) — responsible for creating, adopting, and updating policies.
  • Secondary: pupils, parents/guardians, teachers and administrators (policy enforcement and exception handling).
  • Fiscal: LEAs may incur administrative, training, or implementation costs subject to potential state reimbursement if mandated.

Procedural timeline / recent actions

  • Introduced Jan 13, 2025; printed Jan 14, 2025.
  • Referred to Assembly Education Committee; amended and re‑referred multiple times (March–April 2025).
  • Read second time and amended Apr 21, 2025; re‑referred to Appropriations Apr 22, 2025.
  • Hearings postponed Apr 30 and May 14, 2025.

For further detail, consult the full text of Section 48901.7 of the Education Code as amended by AB 235.

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

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