House Bill No. 1276 mandates that all school district boards of education in Oklahoma adopt a policy prohibiting the use of cell phones and personal electronic devices by students during the entire school day and while on school grounds, effective before the start of the 2025-2026 school year. The bill allows for exceptions in emergencies, such as medical situations documented by a licensed professional. Additionally, it permits school boards to opt out of the prohibition by voting to allow device usage, with any such policy requiring annual review and approval.
The bill defines key terms, including "cell phone," "personal electronic device," and "school day," to clarify the scope of the policy. It specifies that personal electronic devices do not include school-issued or approved devices intended for classroom instruction. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and includes an emergency clause for immediate implementation upon passage and approval.