The bill amends sections 3313.753 and 5502.262 of the Revised Code to generally prohibit student cellular telephone use in public schools. It allows school boards to adopt policies that prohibit students from carrying electronic communications devices on school grounds or in school buildings, with specified exceptions. By September 1, 2025, each school district board must adopt a policy governing cellular telephone use during school hours, which will prohibit all cellular telephone use by students during the instructional day, except under certain conditions outlined in the bill. Additionally, the bill mandates that students may use cellular devices to monitor health concerns if a physician provides a written statement.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new protocols for emergency management plans in schools, including a specific protocol addressing student use of cellular telephones during emergencies. It requires administrators to develop comprehensive emergency management plans that involve community law enforcement and safety officials, and to keep these plans secure. The bill also emphasizes the importance of public accessibility to the adopted policies and mandates that they be posted prominently on school websites. Existing sections of the Revised Code that conflict with these amendments are repealed.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 3313.753
As Reported By Senate Committee: 3313.753, 5502.262
As Passed By Senate: 3313.753, 5502.262