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LB 140

Require school policies relating to use of electronic communication devices by students

109th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Danielle Conrad and 2 co-sponsors

LB 140 requires Nebraska public school boards to adopt policies restricting student use of electronic devices on property and during instructional time, with limited exceptions.

Approved by Governor on May 20, 2025
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Bill Summary · LB 140

Summary — LB 140 (2025)

Require school policies relating to use of electronic communication devices by students

What the bill does (purpose)

LB 140 requires every public school board in Nebraska to develop and adopt a local policy regulating student use of electronic communication devices (broadly defined to include cell phones and any device that transmits writing, sound, visual images, or data to another electronic device). The bill is intended to reduce classroom distractions and improve learning while allowing districts flexibility to tailor rules to their communities. It includes an emergency clause so the law takes effect immediately upon approval.

Key provisions

  • Definitions:
    • "Cell phone" and a broader term "electronic communication device" are defined in statute.
  • Policy requirement:
    • By the 2025–26 school year, each public school board must adopt a policy establishing rules/standards for student use of electronic communication devices on school property and during school instructional functions.
    • Development of the policy must include stakeholder participation (students, parents, educators).
  • General prohibition and exceptions:
    • The policy shall, except as listed below, prohibit use of electronic communication devices while on school property or attending instructional functions.
    • Explicit exceptions where use cannot be prohibited:
    • When required by a student’s IEP or 504 plan.
    • When authorized by the school district for educational purposes during instructional time.
    • In case of an emergency or perceived threat of danger.
    • When necessary to monitor or manage a student’s health care.
    • When the school board or an appropriate school employee determines use is appropriate.
  • Discipline and enforcement:
    • Policies may include discipline and enforcement mechanisms, but only if adopted as part of the school board’s rules and standards in accordance with section 79‑262.
  • Privacy limitation:
    • The statute should not be read to authorize monitoring, collecting, or otherwise accessing information on electronic devices not owned by or provided for academic use by the district.
  • Emergency clause:
    • The law takes effect when passed and approved.

Who is affected

  • Public school boards (must adopt local policies).
  • Students (use of devices will be regulated; potential discipline under local rules).
  • Parents and educators (required participants in policy development; affected by operational changes).
  • School administrators and employees (charged with implementing and enforcing local policies).

Timeline & procedural status

  • Introduced: January 13, 2025 (Sen. Rita Sanders; at Governor’s request). Cosponsors: Hardin, Conrad.
  • Committee action: Amended by AM203 (clarified “instructional” scope; changed authorization language to the school district; broadened device definition).
  • Final passage: Passed Final Reading with Emergency Clause (48–1–0).
  • Presented to Governor: May 14, 2025.
  • Approved by Governor: May 20, 2025.
  • Effective date: Immediately upon approval (May 20, 2025); policies must be in place prior to the 2025–26 school year.

Fiscal note

Two fiscal notes were filed (Feb. 3 and Mar. 4, 2025); the provided materials do not include detailed cost figures. Fiscal impacts are likely limited and largely local (staff time for policy development, stakeholder engagement, and enforcement), but districts should consult the fiscal notes or state guidance for specifics.

Additional context

  • AM203 refined the bill to: (1) apply specifically to instructional functions, (2) use the broader term “electronic communication devices,” and (3) vest authorization for district-level educational use with the school district (not individual teachers).
  • Testimony at committee included proponents (education advocates, Department of Education, NSEA, and others) and opponents (including Nebraska Association of School Boards expressing concerns).

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

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