House Bill 26-014

This act restricts the use of personal electronic devices by students during instructional time in public compulsory education beginning with the 2026–2027 academic year. Personal electronic devices include privately owned cell phones, smart watches, tablets, gaming devices, and other devices capable of communication, internet access, recording, or entertainment. Students may continue to possess these devices at school, but they must generally remain powered off and stored according to school district policy while instruction is taking place.

This act requires school districts to establish local policies governing device storage and enforcement. Discipline for violations must be progressive, and a student may not be suspended, expelled, or referred to law enforcement solely for violating the device restrictions. Districts must provide students and parents or guardians with written notice of their policies before each academic year. Schools may allow device use during non-instructional periods such as lunch, passing periods, and before or after school, and districts may provide additional flexibility for students in grades nine through twelve.

This act provides exceptions for school-issued or authorized educational technology, IEPs and Section 504 plans, documented medical accommodations, emergencies, and specific educational uses authorized by teachers or administrators. Students may also use devices when necessary for translation, accessibility or assistive technology, and certain career and technical education activities. Reasonable communication with parents or guardians remains permitted outside instructional time, and the Department of Education must develop guidance for emergency communication procedures.

The Department of Education must develop implementation guidance and model policies, including recommendations for secure device storage, while school districts must adopt or update their local policies before the 2026–2027 academic year. The Department must submit a report by January 15, 2028 evaluating the restrictions' effects on academic performance, classroom engagement, student behavior, mental health, digital literacy, and access to educational technology. This act was approved April 8, 2026, and took effect July 1, 2026.