The proposed bill amends the Revised School Code by adding Section 1304, which mandates that starting in the 2025-2026 school year, school districts and public school academies must develop and implement policies regarding the use of wireless communications devices, such as cell phones, in elementary, middle, and high schools. These policies are intended to limit student cell phone use during school hours and reduce distractions in the classroom. The bill allows for the prohibition of device use during instructional time, breaks, lunch, and recess, while also permitting additional restrictions as deemed necessary by the school boards.

Furthermore, the bill outlines that the wireless communications device policies must include enforcement mechanisms and provide exceptions for emergency situations, medical use, accommodations for students with disabilities, and any additional exceptions at the discretion of school administrators. Additionally, the policies must be publicly posted on the school district's or public school academy's website. Definitions for "school grounds" and "wireless communications device" are also provided to clarify the scope of the policy.

Statutes affected:
Substitute (S-1): 380.1, 380.1852
Senate Introduced Bill: 380.1, 380.1852
As Passed by the Senate: 380.1, 380.1852