{ "name": "School cell phone laws by state (50 states and D.C.)", "url": "https://www.lockedinapp.co/resources/state-laws", "publisher": "LockedIn Technologies, LLC", "dateModified": "2026-10-27", "note": "Not legal advice. Laws change between checks: confirm a requirement against the primary source before relying on a row.", "columns": [ "State", "Abbreviation", "Kind of rule", "Status", "Statewide requirement", "Scope", "Law or bill", "Citation", "Signed or adopted", "Effective", "Guide", "Primary source", "Last verified" ], "rows": [ { "State": "Alabama", "Abbreviation": "AL", "Kind of rule": "Bell-to-bell law", "Status": "Enacted (bell-to-bell)", "Statewide requirement": "Yes", "Scope": "Instructional day, defined to include class transitions, lunch and other non-instructional time", "Law or bill": "HB 166 (2025): FOCUS Act", "Citation": "HB 166 (2025 Regular Session), §§ 2–5; adds Ala. Code § 16-40-13 and repeals § 16-1-27", "Signed or adopted": "2025-05-14", "Effective": "Signed and effective May 14, 2025; device rules apply from the 2025–26 school year", "Guide": "https://www.lockedinapp.co/resources/phone-free-school-laws-alabama", "Primary source": "https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/files/pdf/SearchableInstruments/2025RS/HB166-enr.pdf", "Last verified": "2026-10-12" }, { "State": "Alaska", "Abbreviation": "AK", "Kind of rule": "Class-time or district-policy law", "Status": "Enacted (instructional / district policy)", "Statewide requirement": "Yes", "Scope": "Possession and use during regular school hours, including lunch and passing periods (district policy required)", "Law or bill": "HB 57 (2025)", "Citation": "AS 14.33.300 (enacted by HB 57, sec. 14)", "Signed or adopted": "2025-05-20", "Effective": "July 1, 2025", "Guide": "https://www.lockedinapp.co/resources/phone-free-school-laws-alaska", "Primary source": "https://www.akleg.gov/PDF/34/Bills/HB0057Z.PDF", "Last verified": "2026-10-23" }, { "State": "Arizona", "Abbreviation": "AZ", "Kind of rule": "Class-time or district-policy law", "Status": "Enacted (instructional / district policy)", "Statewide requirement": "Yes", "Scope": "School day, defined as time students are at school, including meals, passing periods and recess; policies must limit use", "Law or bill": "HB 2484 (2025)", "Citation": "A.R.S. § 15-120.05 (Laws 2025, Ch. 53)", "Signed or adopted": "2025-04-14", "Effective": "September 26, 2025 (general effective date); 2025–26 school year", "Guide": "https://www.lockedinapp.co/resources/phone-free-school-laws-arizona", "Primary source": "https://www.azleg.gov/legtext/57leg/1R/laws/0053.pdf", "Last verified": "2026-10-12" }, { "State": "Arkansas", "Abbreviation": "AR", "Kind of rule": "Bell-to-bell law", "Status": "Enacted (bell-to-bell)", "Statewide requirement": "Yes", "Scope": "School day: from the time students must be at school until dismissal; policies restrict possession and prohibit use", "Law or bill": "SB 142 / Act 122 (2025): \"Bell to Bell, No Cell\"", "Citation": "Ark. Code Ann. § 6-18-515 (as amended by Act 122 of 2025)", "Signed or adopted": "2025-02-20", "Effective": "2025–26 school year", "Guide": "https://www.lockedinapp.co/resources/phone-free-school-laws-arkansas", "Primary source": "https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Home/FTPDocument?path=%2FACTS%2F2025R%2FPublic%2FACT122.pdf", "Last verified": "2026-10-12" }, { "State": "California", "Abbreviation": "CA", "Kind of rule": "Class-time or district-policy law", "Status": "Enacted (instructional / district policy)", "Statewide requirement": "Yes", "Scope": "A locally written policy that limits or prohibits student smartphone use at school or while under staff supervision; each district decides how far it goes", "Law or bill": "AB 3216 (2024), Phone-Free Schools Act", "Citation": "Cal. Educ. Code § 48901.7 (amended by AB 3216, Ch. 500, Stats. 2024, and AB 962, Ch. 284, Stats. 2025)", "Signed or adopted": "2024-09-23", "Effective": "July 1, 2026 (policy adoption deadline for every district, county office of education and charter school; now in effect)", "Guide": "https://www.lockedinapp.co/resources/phone-free-school-laws-california", "Primary source": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240AB3216", "Last verified": "2026-10-12" }, { "State": "Colorado", "Abbreviation": "CO", "Kind of rule": "Class-time or district-policy law", "Status": "Enacted (instructional / district policy)", "Statewide requirement": "Yes", "Scope": "District-determined; each policy must state its possession and use rules for the school day", "Law or bill": "HB 25-1135 (2025)", "Citation": "C.R.S. § 22-1-149 (2025 Colo. Sess. Laws, ch. 162)", "Signed or adopted": "2025-05-01", "Effective": "Effective Aug 6, 2025; policies were due, and had to be posted, by July 1, 2026", "Guide": "https://www.lockedinapp.co/resources/phone-free-school-laws-colorado", "Primary source": "https://content.leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/2025a_1135_signed.pdf", "Last verified": "2026-10-12" }, { "State": "Connecticut", "Abbreviation": "CT", "Kind of rule": "No statewide requirement", "Status": "Bill failed (2026)", "Statewide requirement": "No", "Scope": "Bell-to-bell (proposed; not enacted)", "Law or bill": "HB 5035 (2026, House-passed; died in Senate)", "Citation": "", "Signed or adopted": "", "Effective": "", "Guide": "https://www.lockedinapp.co/resources/phone-free-school-laws-connecticut", "Primary source": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&which_year=2026&bill_num=HB05035", "Last verified": "2026-10-12" }, { "State": "Delaware", "Abbreviation": "DE", "Kind of rule": "Class-time or district-policy law", "Status": "Enacted (instructional / district policy)", "Statewide requirement": "Yes", "Scope": "District and charter policies must limit cell phone use during instructional time", "Law or bill": "SB 106 (2026)", "Citation": "14 Del. C. § 4124", "Signed or adopted": "2026-03-12", "Effective": "March 12, 2026 (on signing); policies posted online by Aug. 31, 2026", "Guide": "https://www.lockedinapp.co/resources/phone-free-school-laws-delaware", "Primary source": "https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?LegislationId=142100", "Last verified": "2026-10-12" }, { "State": "Florida", "Abbreviation": "FL", "Kind of rule": "Bell-to-bell law", "Status": "Enacted (K–8 full day; high school class time)", "Statewide requirement": "Yes", "Scope": "Elementary and middle school: no use during the school day. High school: no use during instructional time unless a teacher directs it for educational purposes. Students may still possess phones.", "Law or bill": "HB 379 (2023) and HB 1105 (2025)", "Citation": "s. 1006.07(2)(f), Fla. Stat. (amended by ch. 2023-36 and ch. 2025-109, Laws of Fla.)", "Signed or adopted": "2025-05-30", "Effective": "July 1, 2025 for the K–8 full-day rule (HB 1105); July 1, 2023 for the class-time rule (HB 379)", "Guide": "https://www.lockedinapp.co/resources/phone-free-school-laws-florida", "Primary source": "https://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=1000-1099/1006/Sections/1006.07.html", "Last verified": "2026-10-23" }, { "State": "Georgia", "Abbreviation": "GA", "Kind of rule": "Bell-to-bell law", "Status": "Enacted (bell-to-bell)", "Statewide requirement": "Yes", "Scope": "Bell-to-bell: no student access to personal devices (including wearing a smartwatch) from the first bell to the final bell; K–8 now, grades 9–12 no later than July 1, 2027", "Law or bill": "HB 340 (2025) and HB 1009 (2026)", "Citation": "O.C.G.A. § 20-2-324.8", "Signed or adopted": "2026-05-05", "Effective": "July 1, 2026 for grades K–8; no later than July 1, 2027 for grades 9–12", "Guide": "https://www.lockedinapp.co/resources/phone-free-school-laws-georgia", "Primary source": "https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20252026/247117", "Last verified": "2026-10-12" }, { "State": "Hawaii", "Abbreviation": "HI", "Kind of rule": "Board policy or executive order", "Status": "State board policy", "Statewide requirement": "Yes", "Scope": "Elementary and middle/intermediate: no use during school hours. High school: no use during instructional time; each school decides about breaks and lunch", "Law or bill": "Hawaii Board of Education student cell phone use policy (adopted Feb 12, 2026)", "Citation": "", "Signed or adopted": "2026-02-12", "Effective": "2026–27 school year", "Guide": "https://www.lockedinapp.co/resources/phone-free-school-laws-hawaii", "Primary source": "https://hawaiipublicschools.org/2026-hawaii-board-of-education-student-cell-phone-use/", "Last verified": "2026-10-23" }, { "State": "Idaho", "Abbreviation": "ID", "Kind of rule": "Class-time or district-policy law", "Status": "Enacted (instructional / district policy)", "Statewide requirement": "Yes", "Scope": "District-determined; policies must keep student device use \"as limited as possible\" during school hours and reduce classroom distractions", "Law or bill": "S 1032 (2025): Distraction-Free Learning", "Citation": "Idaho Code §§ 33-6801 and 33-6802 (2025 Idaho Sess. Laws ch. 55)", "Signed or adopted": "2025-03-13", "Effective": "July 1, 2025; district and charter policies were due by Dec 31, 2025", "Guide": "https://www.lockedinapp.co/resources/phone-free-school-laws-idaho", "Primary source": "https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2025/legislation/S1032/", "Last verified": "2026-10-12" }, { "State": "Illinois", "Abbreviation": "IL", "Kind of rule": "Bell-to-bell law", "Status": "Enacted (bell-to-bell)", "Statewide requirement": "Yes", "Scope": "No student use of phones, tablets, laptops, gaming devices or smartwatches/smart glasses from arrival to dismissal, including recess, lunch and passing periods; districts may exclude high school lunch and passing periods", "Law or bill": "SB 2427 (Public Act 104-0657)", "Citation": "105 ILCS 5/10-20.88 (districts), 5/27A-5.3 (charter schools), 5/34-18.14a (Chicago)", "Signed or adopted": "2026-07-28", "Effective": "the start of the 2027–28 school year (district and charter policy deadline); the Act itself took effect July 28, 2026", "Guide": "https://www.lockedinapp.co/resources/phone-free-school-laws-illinois", "Primary source": "https://www.ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus?DocNum=2427&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&SessionID=114", "Last verified": "2026-10-12" }, { "State": "Indiana", "Abbreviation": "IN", "Kind of rule": "Bell-to-bell law", "Status": "Enacted (bell-to-bell)", "Statewide requirement": "Yes", "Scope": "School day: all time a student is on school property for an instructional day", "Law or bill": "SEA 78 (2026), expanding SEA 185 (2024)", "Citation": "IC 20-26-5-40.7, as amended by SEA 78 (P.L. 107-2026)", "Signed or adopted": "2026-03-05", "Effective": "July 1, 2026 (2026–27 school year)", "Guide": "https://www.lockedinapp.co/resources/phone-free-school-laws-indiana", "Primary source": "https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2026/bills/senate/78/details", "Last verified": "2026-10-12" }, { "State": "Iowa", "Abbreviation": "IA", "Kind of rule": "Class-time or district-policy law", "Status": "Enacted (instructional / district policy)", "Statewide requirement": "Yes", "Scope": "Restrict use during classroom instructional time (boards may adopt stricter policies)", "Law or bill": "HF 782 (2025)", "Citation": "Iowa Code § 279.88 (enacted by HF 782 as § 279.87; 2025 Iowa Acts ch. 36)", "Signed or adopted": "2025-04-30", "Effective": "April 30, 2025 (on enactment); policies required from the 2025–26 school year", "Guide": "https://www.lockedinapp.co/resources/phone-free-school-laws-iowa", "Primary source": "https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ba=HF782&ga=91", "Last verified": "2026-10-12" }, { "State": "Kansas", "Abbreviation": "KS", "Kind of rule": "Bell-to-bell law", "Status": "Enacted (bell-to-bell)", "Statewide requirement": "Yes", "Scope": "School day: start of school until dismissal, including classes, recess, lunch and passing periods", "Law or bill": "HB 2299 (2026): \"Bell to Bell, No Cell\"", "Citation": "Senate Sub. for Sub. for HB 2299 (2026), new §§ 2–6", "Signed or adopted": "2026-03-19", "Effective": "In force on publication in the statute book (July 1, 2026); policies certified to the State Board by Sept 1, 2026", "Guide": "https://www.lockedinapp.co/resources/phone-free-school-laws-kansas", "Primary source": "https://www.kslegislature.gov/b2025_26/bills/hb2299/", "Last verified": "2026-10-12" }, { "State": "Kentucky", "Abbreviation": "KY", "Kind of rule": "Class-time or district-policy law", "Status": "Enacted (instructional / district policy)", "Statewide requirement": "Yes", "Scope": "At a minimum, no student use during instructional time; districts may go further", "Law or bill": "HB 208 (2025)", "Citation": "KRS 158.165 and KRS 156.675 (2025 Ky. Acts ch. 90)", "Signed or adopted": "2025-03-26", "Effective": "2025–26 school year", "Guide": "https://www.lockedinapp.co/resources/phone-free-school-laws-kentucky", "Primary source": "https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/25rs/hb208.html", "Last verified": "2026-10-12" }, { "State": "Louisiana", "Abbreviation": "LA", "Kind of rule": "Bell-to-bell law", "Status": "Enacted (bell-to-bell)", "Statewide requirement": "Yes", "Scope": "Throughout the instructional day: no device on the student's person", "Law or bill": "SB 207 / Act 313 (2024)", "Citation": "La. R.S. 17:239(A)(2) (Acts 2024, No. 313)", "Signed or adopted": "2024-05-28", "Effective": "2024–25 school year and every year after", "Guide": "https://www.lockedinapp.co/resources/phone-free-school-laws-louisiana", "Primary source": "https://legis.la.gov/legis/ViewDocument.aspx?d=1377918", "Last verified": "2026-10-12" }, { "State": "Maine", "Abbreviation": "ME", "Kind of rule": "Bell-to-bell law", "Status": "Enacted (bell-to-bell)", "Statewide requirement": "Yes", "Scope": "Use prohibited from starting bell to dismissal bell; covers cell phones and other devices with Internet or cellular capability", "Law or bill": "LD 2212 (2026 supplemental budget), Part GG", "Citation": "20-A M.R.S. § 1001(23) (P.L. 2025, c. 650, Pt. GG)", "Signed or adopted": "2026-04-10", "Effective": "Aug. 1, 2026 (policy adoption and implementation deadline)", "Guide": "https://www.lockedinapp.co/resources/phone-free-school-laws-maine", "Primary source": "https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/20-A/title20-Asec1001.html", "Last verified": "2026-10-12" }, { "State": "Maryland", "Abbreviation": "MD", "Kind of rule": "Bell-to-bell law", "Status": "Enacted (bell-to-bell)", "Statewide requirement": "Yes", "Scope": "Academic school day: first bell to dismissal bell, including instruction, lunch, recess, passing and transition periods", "Law or bill": "HB 525 / Ch. 596 (2026): Joanne C. Benson Maryland Phone-Free Schools Act", "Citation": "Md. Code, Educ. § 7-137 (2026 Md. Laws ch. 596)", "Signed or adopted": "2026-05-26", "Effective": "County policies required no later than the 2027–28 school year (policy deadline); the law took effect July 1, 2026", "Guide": "https://www.lockedinapp.co/resources/phone-free-school-laws-maryland", "Primary source": "https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2026RS/Chapters_noln/CH_596_hb0525e.pdf", "Last verified": "2026-10-23" }, { "State": "Massachusetts", "Abbreviation": "MA", "Kind of rule": "Bill in progress", "Status": "Active bill (2026)", "Statewide requirement": "No", "Scope": "Bell-to-bell (proposed)", "Law or bill": "S.2581 (Senate-passed 38–2, July 31, 2025; House-amended 129–25, April 8, 2026; in conference committee)", "Citation": "", "Signed or adopted": "", "Effective": "", "Guide": "https://www.lockedinapp.co/resources/phone-free-school-laws-massachusetts", "Primary source": "https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2581", "Last verified": "2026-10-23" }, { "State": "Michigan", "Abbreviation": "MI", "Kind of rule": "Class-time or district-policy law", "Status": "Enacted (instructional / district policy)", "Statewide requirement": "Yes", "Scope": "No student use of wireless communications devices on school grounds during instructional time; lunch and passing periods are a local choice; basic (non-smart) phones are not covered", "Law or bill": "HB 4141 (Public Act 2 of 2026) and SB 495 (Public Act 1 of 2026)", "Citation": "MCL 380.1303a (device policy); MCL 380.1308b (emergency operations plan)", "Signed or adopted": "2026-02-10", "Effective": "2026–27 school year", "Guide": "https://www.lockedinapp.co/resources/phone-free-school-laws-michigan", "Primary source": "https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-HB-4141", "Last verified": "2026-10-12" }, { "State": "Minnesota", "Abbreviation": "MN", "Kind of rule": "Class-time or district-policy law", "Status": "Enacted (instructional / district policy)", "Statewide requirement": "Yes", "Scope": "District-determined", "Law or bill": "SF 3567 (2024)", "Citation": "Minn. Stat. § 121A.73 (2024 Minn. Laws ch. 109, art. 1, § 1)", "Signed or adopted": "2024-05-17", "Effective": "March 15, 2025 (district policy deadline)", "Guide": "https://www.lockedinapp.co/resources/phone-free-school-laws-minnesota", "Primary source": "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/121A.73", "Last verified": "2026-10-12" }, { "State": "Mississippi", "Abbreviation": "MS", "Kind of rule": "No statewide requirement", "Status": "Bill failed (2026)", "Statewide requirement": "No", "Scope": "", "Law or bill": "SB 2099 (2026, passed Senate; died in House committee) and HB 702 (2026, died in House committee)", "Citation": "", "Signed or adopted": "", "Effective": "", "Guide": "https://www.lockedinapp.co/resources/phone-free-school-laws-mississippi", "Primary source": "https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/SB/SB2099.xml", "Last verified": "2026-10-12" }, { "State": "Missouri", "Abbreviation": "MO", "Kind of rule": "Bell-to-bell law", "Status": "Enacted (bell-to-bell)", "Statewide requirement": "Yes", "Scope": "Beginning to end of the school day, including instructional time, meals, breaks, time between classes and study halls", "Law or bill": "SB 68 (2025)", "Citation": "RSMo § 162.207 (expires Aug 28, 2032)", "Signed or adopted": "2025-07-09", "Effective": "Aug 28, 2025; policies required for 2025–26 and every school year after", "Guide": "https://www.lockedinapp.co/resources/phone-free-school-laws-missouri", "Primary source": "https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=162.207", "Last verified": "2026-10-12" }, { "State": "Montana", "Abbreviation": "MT", "Kind of rule": "No statewide requirement", "Status": "No statewide law", "Statewide requirement": "No", "Scope": "", "Law or bill": "", "Citation": "", "Signed or adopted": "", "Effective": "", "Guide": "https://www.lockedinapp.co/resources/phone-free-school-laws-montana", "Primary source": "https://gov.mt.gov/_docs/governor/24.08.22_Ltr_to_District_Superintendents_Trustees_24-25_School_Year.pdf", "Last verified": "2026-10-12" }, { "State": "Nebraska", "Abbreviation": "NE", "Kind of rule": "Class-time or district-policy law", "Status": "Enacted (instructional / district policy)", "Statewide requirement": "Yes", "Scope": "Use prohibited on school property and at school instructional functions, subject to statutory exceptions", "Law or bill": "LB 140 (2025)", "Citation": "LB 140 (2025), § 1", "Signed or adopted": "2025-05-20", "Effective": "May 20, 2025 (emergency clause); policies required before the 2025–26 school year", "Guide": "https://www.lockedinapp.co/resources/phone-free-school-laws-nebraska", "Primary source": "https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59086", "Last verified": "2026-10-12" }, { "State": "Nevada", "Abbreviation": "NV", "Kind of rule": "Class-time or district-policy law", "Status": "Enacted (instructional / district policy)", "Statewide requirement": "Yes", "Scope": "Policies must limit device use during instruction; districts set the details", "Law or bill": "SB 444 (2025)", "Citation": "NRS 392.4637 (2025 Nev. Stat. ch. 92)", "Signed or adopted": "2025-05-28", "Effective": "July 1, 2026 (policies adopted by June 30, 2026)", "Guide": "https://www.lockedinapp.co/resources/phone-free-school-laws-nevada", "Primary source": "https://archive.leg.state.nv.us/Session/83rd2025/Bills/SB/SB444_EN.pdf", "Last verified": "2026-10-12" }, { "State": "New Hampshire", "Abbreviation": "NH", "Kind of rule": "Bell-to-bell law", "Status": "Enacted (bell-to-bell)", "Statewide requirement": "Yes", "Scope": "Use prohibited from the first bell to the dismissal bell; storage set locally", "Law or bill": "HB 2 (2025)", "Citation": "RSA 189:1-a, V", "Signed or adopted": "2025-06-27", "Effective": "July 1, 2025", "Guide": "https://www.lockedinapp.co/resources/phone-free-school-laws-new-hampshire", "Primary source": "https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/XV/189/189-1-a.htm", "Last verified": "2026-10-23" }, { "State": "New Jersey", "Abbreviation": "NJ", "Kind of rule": "Bell-to-bell law", "Status": "Enacted (bell-to-bell)", "Statewide requirement": "Yes", "Scope": "Board policies must follow NJDOE guidelines that prohibit non-academic use of smartphones, tablets, smartwatches and other internet-enabled devices on school grounds during the school day; policies also cover school buses and school-sanctioned events", "Law or bill": "S3695 (P.L.2025, c.195)", "Citation": "N.J.S.A. 18A:36-40a and 18A:36-40b", "Signed or adopted": "2026-01-08", "Effective": "2026–27 school year (the first full school year after enactment)", "Guide": "https://www.lockedinapp.co/resources/phone-free-school-laws-new-jersey", "Primary source": "https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S3695", "Last verified": "2026-10-12" }, { "State": "New Mexico", "Abbreviation": "NM", "Kind of rule": "Class-time or district-policy law", "Status": "Enacted (instructional / district policy)", "Statewide requirement": "Yes", "Scope": "District and charter policy required; prohibiting use during instructional hours is optional", "Law or bill": "SB 11 (2025): Anti-Distraction Policy", "Citation": "Laws 2025, ch. 155 (SB 11), § 1 (Public School Code)", "Signed or adopted": "2025-04-10", "Effective": "Aug. 1, 2025 (policy adoption deadline)", "Guide": "https://www.lockedinapp.co/resources/phone-free-school-laws-new-mexico", "Primary source": "https://www.nmlegis.gov/Sessions/25%20Regular/final/SB0011.pdf", "Last verified": "2026-10-23" }, { "State": "New York", "Abbreviation": "NY", "Kind of rule": "Bell-to-bell law", "Status": "Enacted (bell-to-bell)", "Statewide requirement": "Yes", "Scope": "No student use of internet-enabled devices (smartphones, tablets, smartwatches) anywhere on school grounds for the whole school day, including lunch, recess, study halls and passing time; basic phones without internet access are not covered", "Law or bill": "Education Law § 2803 (FY 2026 budget, S3006-C)", "Citation": "N.Y. Educ. Law § 2803", "Signed or adopted": "2025-05-09", "Effective": "2025–26 school year (policies due Aug. 1, 2025; annual enforcement reports due each Sept. 1 from 2026)", "Guide": "https://www.lockedinapp.co/resources/phone-free-school-laws-new-york", "Primary source": "https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/EDN/2803", "Last verified": "2026-10-23" }, { "State": "North Carolina", "Abbreviation": "NC", "Kind of rule": "Class-time or district-policy law", "Status": "Enacted (instructional / district policy)", "Statewide requirement": "Yes", "Scope": "At minimum, students may not use, display or have a wireless device turned on during instructional time; covers phones, tablets, laptops, pagers, two-way radios and gaming devices", "Law or bill": "HB 959 (Session Law 2025-38)", "Citation": "N.C. Gen. Stat. § 115C-76.100", "Signed or adopted": "2025-07-01", "Effective": "January 1, 2026 (policy deadline)", "Guide": "https://www.lockedinapp.co/resources/phone-free-school-laws-north-carolina", "Primary source": "https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/h959", "Last verified": "2026-10-23" }, { "State": "North Dakota", "Abbreviation": "ND", "Kind of rule": "Bell-to-bell law", "Status": "Enacted (bell-to-bell)", "Statewide requirement": "Yes", "Scope": "Devices silenced or off, securely stowed and inaccessible from the start of the school day to dismissal, including lunch, recess and passing time", "Law or bill": "HB 1160 (2025), amended by SB 2354", "Citation": "N.D.C.C. § 15.1-07-41", "Signed or adopted": "2025-04-25", "Effective": "Aug. 1, 2025", "Guide": "https://www.lockedinapp.co/resources/phone-free-school-laws-north-dakota", "Primary source": "https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/bill-overview/bo1160.html?bill_year=2025&bill_number=1160", "Last verified": "2026-10-12" }, { "State": "Ohio", "Abbreviation": "OH", "Kind of rule": "Bell-to-bell law", "Status": "Enacted (bell-to-bell)", "Statewide requirement": "Yes", "Scope": "Policies must prohibit all student cellphone use during the \"instructional day\", a term the statute does not define; boards may also ban carrying devices on school grounds", "Law or bill": "HB 96 (2025), the state operating budget", "Citation": "Ohio Rev. Code § 3313.753", "Signed or adopted": "2025-06-30", "Effective": "January 1, 2026 (district policy deadline)", "Guide": "https://www.lockedinapp.co/resources/phone-free-school-laws-ohio", "Primary source": "https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-3313.753", "Last verified": "2026-10-23" }, { "State": "Oklahoma", "Abbreviation": "OK", "Kind of rule": "Bell-to-bell law", "Status": "Enacted (bell-to-bell)", "Statewide requirement": "Yes", "Scope": "Bell to bell on public school campuses: from the first bell starting instruction to the dismissal bell", "Law or bill": "HB 1276 (2026), making permanent SB 139 (2025)", "Citation": "70 O.S. § 1-126", "Signed or adopted": "2026-04-30", "Effective": "July 1, 2026; the bell-to-bell policy is required every school year", "Guide": "https://www.lockedinapp.co/resources/phone-free-school-laws-oklahoma", "Primary source": "https://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=HB1276&Session=2600", "Last verified": "2026-10-12" }, { "State": "Oregon", "Abbreviation": "OR", "Kind of rule": "Board policy or executive order", "Status": "Executive order", "Statewide requirement": "Yes", "Scope": "Start to end of regular instructional hours; may exclude time off school grounds without staff supervision. ODE guidance says this runs from the start to the end of the school day, including passing periods and lunch", "Law or bill": "Executive Order 25-09 (2025)", "Citation": "", "Signed or adopted": "2025-07-02", "Effective": "Oct 31, 2025 (district policy adoption deadline); policies in effect no later than Jan 1, 2026", "Guide": "https://www.lockedinapp.co/resources/phone-free-school-laws-oregon", "Primary source": "https://www.oregon.gov/gov/eo/eo-25-09.pdf", "Last verified": "2026-10-23" }, { "State": "Pennsylvania", "Abbreviation": "PA", "Kind of rule": "Bell-to-bell law", "Status": "Enacted (bell-to-bell)", "Statewide requirement": "Yes", "Scope": "Bell to bell for the whole school day on school property", "Law or bill": "Act 117 of 2026 (SB 1014, Printer's No. 1697)", "Citation": "Public School Code of 1949, § 1314-A (Act 117 of 2026)", "Signed or adopted": "2026-10-26", "Effective": "Took effect Oct. 26, 2026. Policies are due by the start of the 2027-28 school year.", "Guide": "https://www.lockedinapp.co/resources/phone-free-school-laws-pennsylvania", "Primary source": "https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/sb1014", "Last verified": "2026-10-27" }, { "State": "Rhode Island", "Abbreviation": "RI", "Kind of rule": "Bell-to-bell law", "Status": "Enacted (bell-to-bell)", "Statewide requirement": "Yes", "Scope": "No physical access to personal devices during the school day as defined by RIDE; policies cover school grounds and school-sponsored activities", "Law or bill": "S 0771 Sub A / H 5598 Sub A (2025)", "Citation": "R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-21-43 (P.L. 2025, ch. 109 and ch. 110)", "Signed or adopted": "2025-06-23", "Effective": "August 1, 2026 (2026–27 school year)", "Guide": "https://www.lockedinapp.co/resources/phone-free-school-laws-rhode-island", "Primary source": "https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/TITLE16/16-21/16-21-43.htm", "Last verified": "2026-10-12" }, { "State": "South Carolina", "Abbreviation": "SC", "Kind of rule": "Bell-to-bell law", "Status": "Enacted (bell-to-bell)", "Statewide requirement": "Yes", "Scope": "Arrival (tardy bell) to afternoon dismissal; districts may extend it to buses, field trips and athletic events", "Law or bill": "FY 2026–27 Appropriations Act (H. 5126), Proviso 1.95, + State Board of Education model policy", "Citation": "", "Signed or adopted": "2024-07-03", "Effective": "In place since the 2024–25 school year; 2026–27 is the third school year", "Guide": "https://www.lockedinapp.co/resources/phone-free-school-laws-south-carolina", "Primary source": "https://ed.sc.gov/initiatives/free-to-focus/model-policy/", "Last verified": "2026-10-23" }, { "State": "South Dakota", "Abbreviation": "SD", "Kind of rule": "No statewide requirement", "Status": "Bill failed (2026)", "Statewide requirement": "No", "Scope": "", "Law or bill": "SB 198 (2026, defeated in House)", "Citation": "", "Signed or adopted": "", "Effective": "", "Guide": "https://www.lockedinapp.co/resources/phone-free-school-laws-south-dakota", "Primary source": "https://sdlegislature.gov/Session/Bill/26927", "Last verified": "2026-10-12" }, { "State": "Tennessee", "Abbreviation": "TN", "Kind of rule": "Class-time or district-policy law", "Status": "Enacted (instructional / district policy)", "Statewide requirement": "Yes", "Scope": "Instructional time (minimum rule)", "Law or bill": "HB 932 / SB 897 (2025)", "Citation": "Tenn. Pub. Ch. 103 (2025): new section in Tenn. Code Ann. Title 49, Ch. 6, Part 3; amends § 49-6-4002(h)", "Signed or adopted": "2025-03-28", "Effective": "July 1, 2025 (2025–26 school year and after)", "Guide": "https://www.lockedinapp.co/resources/phone-free-school-laws-tennessee", "Primary source": "https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/BillInfo/Default?BillNumber=HB0932&GA=114", "Last verified": "2026-10-23" }, { "State": "Texas", "Abbreviation": "TX", "Kind of rule": "Bell-to-bell law", "Status": "Enacted (bell-to-bell)", "Statewide requirement": "Yes", "Scope": "No student use of personal communication devices on school property during the school day, not just in class; covers phones (smart or flip), tablets, smartwatches, radios and pagers", "Law or bill": "HB 1481 (2025)", "Citation": "Tex. Educ. Code § 37.082", "Signed or adopted": "2025-06-20", "Effective": "June 20, 2025 (district and charter policies due by Sept. 18, 2025)", "Guide": "https://www.lockedinapp.co/resources/phone-free-school-laws-texas", "Primary source": "https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB1481", "Last verified": "2026-10-12" }, { "State": "Utah", "Abbreviation": "UT", "Kind of rule": "Bell-to-bell law", "Status": "Enacted (bell-to-bell)", "Statewide requirement": "Yes", "Scope": "School hours: from the start to the end of the bell schedule, including instruction, lunch, recess and transitions (statewide default)", "Law or bill": "SB 69 (2026), amending SB 178 (2025)", "Citation": "Utah Code § 53G-7-227", "Signed or adopted": "2026-03-18", "Effective": "July 1, 2026", "Guide": "https://www.lockedinapp.co/resources/phone-free-school-laws-utah", "Primary source": "https://le.utah.gov/~2026/bills/static/SB0069.html", "Last verified": "2026-10-12" }, { "State": "Vermont", "Abbreviation": "VT", "Kind of rule": "Bell-to-bell law", "Status": "Enacted (bell-to-bell)", "Statewide requirement": "Yes", "Scope": "Arrival to dismissal", "Law or bill": "H.480 / Act 72 (2025)", "Citation": "16 V.S.A. § 583 (added by 2025 Acts and Resolves No. 72, § 17)", "Signed or adopted": "2025-06-27", "Effective": "Policies required from the 2026–27 school year (in effect now)", "Guide": "https://www.lockedinapp.co/resources/phone-free-school-laws-vermont", "Primary source": "https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/16/009/00583", "Last verified": "2026-10-12" }, { "State": "Virginia", "Abbreviation": "VA", "Kind of rule": "Bell-to-bell law", "Status": "Enacted (bell-to-bell)", "Statewide requirement": "Yes", "Scope": "School board policies must restrict possession and prohibit use of cell phones and smart devices (including smartwatches and tablets) on school property bell to bell, including lunch and time between classes", "Law or bill": "SB 108 (2026), amending HB 1961 / SB 738 (2025)", "Citation": "Va. Code § 22.1-79.3:1 (2025 Acts chs. 606 and 644; 2026 Acts ch. 331)", "Signed or adopted": "2026-04-06", "Effective": "July 1, 2026 (SB 108); the 2025 law took effect July 1, 2025", "Guide": "https://www.lockedinapp.co/resources/phone-free-school-laws-virginia", "Primary source": "https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title22.1/chapter7/section22.1-79.3:1/", "Last verified": "2026-10-12" }, { "State": "Washington", "Abbreviation": "WA", "Kind of rule": "No statewide requirement", "Status": "Statewide guidance (no requirement)", "Statewide requirement": "No", "Scope": "No statewide ban: districts may limit student possession and use of mobile devices; the Legislature’s stated goal is a locally tailored bell-to-bell policy in every district by 2030", "Law or bill": "SSB 5346 (Chapter 225, Laws of 2026)", "Citation": "", "Signed or adopted": "2026-03-25", "Effective": "June 11, 2026 (no requirement on schools; OSPI report due Dec. 15, 2027)", "Guide": "https://www.lockedinapp.co/resources/phone-free-school-laws-washington", "Primary source": "https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary/?BillNumber=5346&Year=2025&Initiative=false", "Last verified": "2026-10-12" }, { "State": "Washington, D.C.", "Abbreviation": "DC", "Kind of rule": "Bell-to-bell law", "Status": "Enacted (bell-to-bell)", "Statewide requirement": "Yes", "Scope": "No personal device on the student's person on school premises during the full school day (a backpack or purse doesn't count as possessing)", "Law or bill": "DC Law 26-39: Disconnect Act of 2025", "Citation": "D.C. Code §§ 38-851.01 to 38-851.03", "Signed or adopted": "2025-07-21", "Effective": "Sept. 10, 2025; LEA policies due 15 days before the 2026–27 school year", "Guide": "https://www.lockedinapp.co/resources/phone-free-school-laws-dc", "Primary source": "https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/laws/26-39", "Last verified": "2026-10-12" }, { "State": "West Virginia", "Abbreviation": "WV", "Kind of rule": "Class-time or district-policy law", "Status": "Enacted (instructional / district policy)", "Statewide requirement": "Yes", "Scope": "Devices not accessible for use in a classroom setting during instructional time (including gyms and common areas where instruction occurs)", "Law or bill": "HB 2003 (2025)", "Citation": "W. Va. Code § 18-2-47 (enacted as § 18-2-46)", "Signed or adopted": "2025-04-29", "Effective": "July 9, 2025 (county policies from the 2025–26 school year)", "Guide": "https://www.lockedinapp.co/resources/phone-free-school-laws-west-virginia", "Primary source": "https://code.wvlegislature.gov/18-2-47/", "Last verified": "2026-10-23" }, { "State": "Wisconsin", "Abbreviation": "WI", "Kind of rule": "Class-time or district-policy law", "Status": "Enacted (instructional / district policy)", "Statewide requirement": "Yes", "Scope": "Use prohibited during instructional time (district-issued devices excepted)", "Law or bill": "AB 2 / 2025 Wisconsin Act 42", "Citation": "Wis. Stat. § 120.12(29)", "Signed or adopted": "2025-10-31", "Effective": "July 1, 2026 (policy adoption deadline); copy due to DPI by Oct. 1, 2026", "Guide": "https://www.lockedinapp.co/resources/phone-free-school-laws-wisconsin", "Primary source": "https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/related/acts/42", "Last verified": "2026-10-12" }, { "State": "Wyoming", "Abbreviation": "WY", "Kind of rule": "Class-time or district-policy law", "Status": "Enacted (instructional / district policy)", "Statewide requirement": "Yes", "Scope": "District policy governing possession and use required; scope set locally", "Law or bill": "SF 35 (2026): Enrolled Act 46", "Citation": "W.S. 21-3-110(a)(xlv)", "Signed or adopted": "2026-03-06", "Effective": "March 6, 2026 (on signing); district policies due July 1, 2026", "Guide": "https://www.lockedinapp.co/resources/phone-free-school-laws-wyoming", "Primary source": "https://wyoleg.gov/2026/Enroll/SF0035.pdf", "Last verified": "2026-10-12" } ] }