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SB 2427

SCH CD-WIRELESS COMM DEVICE

104th Regular Session Introduced by Jaime Andrade and 45 co-sponsors

Illinois bill restricts wireless device use during school instructional time to reduce distractions and improve student focus and mental health outcomes.

Sent to the Governor
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Bill Summary · SB 2427

Legislative bill overview

SB 2427 regulates wireless communication devices (primarily cell phones) in Illinois schools by establishing restrictions on their use during instructional time. The bill aims to reduce classroom distractions while addressing concerns about student mental health and academic focus.

Why is this important

School cell phone policies directly affect educational environments and student behavior. This legislation would create statewide standards rather than leaving decisions to individual districts, potentially impacting millions of Illinois students and establishing precedent for other states considering similar restrictions.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation burden: Schools must enforce the policy with unclear consequences for violations; unclear whether confiscation, detention, or other penalties apply
  • Equity concerns: Students from lower-income families may lack alternative communication methods in emergencies; waivers for documented disabilities or economic hardship remain undefined
  • Educational liberty: Some argue school districts, not the state, should determine device policies based on local community needs and parental input
  • Mental health paradox: While the bill cites mental health benefits, critics question whether removing access entirely addresses underlying issues or simply displaces phone use to non-school hours

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

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