Virginia codified its bell-to-bell phone-free school framework into statute. SB 108, signed by Gov. Abigail Spanberger on April 6, 2026, strengthens 2025's HB 1961 / SB 738 from "restrict" to a full prohibition effective July 1, 2026. Here's what every Virginia division administrator needs to know.
Virginia's phone-free school framework is now codified in statute. Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed SB 108 on April 6, 2026, upgrading 2025's HB 1961 / SB 738 from a "restrict" policy to a full bell-to-bell prohibition that takes effect July 1, 2026. SB 108 is the third step in a three-stage Virginia rollout that began with Executive Order 33 in 2024.
The Three-Stage Virginia Rollout
- • Stage 1 — Executive Order 33 (2024): Gov. Glenn Youngkin issued EO 33 on July 9, 2024, directing VDOE to develop bell-to-bell guidance. All 132 Virginia school divisions adopted aligned policies for the 2024–25 school year.
- • Stage 2 — HB 1961 / SB 738 (2025): Gov. Youngkin signed companion bills in May 2025 codifying a bell-to-bell restriction, with statutory IEP/504/medical exceptions and a prohibition on suspension/expulsion as the sole consequence.
- • Stage 3 — SB 108 (2026): Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed SB 108 on April 6, 2026, upgrading "restrict" to "prohibit" and closing gaps around lunch and passing periods. Effective July 1, 2026.
What Virginia Statute Now Requires
- • All public schools must prohibit student personal-device use bell-to-bell, including lunch and passing periods (per SB 108)
- • Statutory exceptions for medical needs, IEP/504 accommodations, and emergencies
- • Suspension or expulsion may not be the sole consequence of a phone-policy violation
- • Coverage extends to smartwatches, tablets, and earbuds per VDOE model guidance
- • Divisions must document compliance through written policies and enforcement procedures
Compliance Timeline for Virginia Divisions
Most divisions already have EO 33–aligned policies in place, but SB 108 raises the bar. Recommended timeline:
- • Spring/Summer 2026: Update division policy language to reflect "prohibit" rather than "restrict," covering lunch and passing periods.
- • By July 1, 2026: SB 108 effective date — written policies, storage protocol, and consequence frameworks finalized.
- • Start of 2026–27 school year: Communicate updated policies to families and staff; begin enforcement.
How Virginia Schools Are Responding
Virginia divisions have taken varied approaches. Fairfax County Public Schools — the state's largest division with 180,000+ students — implemented comprehensive phone restrictions under EO 33 and is updating policies to meet SB 108. Loudoun County, Prince William County, and Virginia Beach City have followed suit with their own policies.
The common challenge across Virginia divisions is enforcement. SB 108's "prohibit" standard means honor-based policies are no longer sufficient. Divisions that already have working enforcement infrastructure are well-positioned for the July 1, 2026 effective date.
Why Virginia Schools Are Choosing LockedIn
LockedIn gives Virginia divisions everything they need to comply with SB 108: automated bell-to-bell enforcement, real-time monitoring, and compliance reports for the division and state. It's the most effective approach for Virginia's 132 diverse school divisions.
See our complete phone-free school laws by state directory for legislation updates across all 50 states.
Get Started
Virginia division administrators can implement LockedIn in as little as one day. Get started and see how automated enforcement transforms SB 108 compliance at your division.