Substitute House Bill No. 5149 seeks to create a phone-free environment in public schools by prohibiting students from possessing or using personal mobile electronic devices during the regular school day, with certain exceptions. The bill replaces the existing law concerning paging devices with a broader definition of "mobile electronic devices," which encompasses cell phones, laptops, and other portable electronic equipment. Students are allowed to use these devices only if necessary for implementing an individualized education program (IEP) or for health reasons as determined by a licensed medical professional. Local and regional boards of education are required to develop policies that restrict the use of personal mobile electronic devices while considering the needs of all stakeholders in the school community.

Additionally, the bill mandates that school boards create local policies to enforce the ban, addressing device storage and disciplinary measures for violations. It also prohibits school boards from using social media as the sole means of communication with students and their parents or guardians, ensuring that important information is communicated through more direct channels. The bill includes technical changes, notably the deletion of a provision that previously allowed school boards to restrict cell phone use. The effective date for these changes is set for July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 10-233j
ED Joint Favorable Substitute: 10-233j
File No. 407: 10-233j