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Gov. Kelly Signs HB 2299, Establishing Kansas School-Day Cellphone Ban

Districts now face a Sept. 1 deadline to implement matching policies with narrow carveouts for health needs or special‑education plans.

Overview

  • Gov. Laura Kelly signed the measure on March 19, creating a bell-to-bell prohibition on student phone access beginning this fall.
  • Students must keep personal devices in inaccessible locations during school hours, with no use allowed until the final bell.
  • Public school districts and accredited nonpublic schools are required to adopt compliant policies by Sept. 1.
  • The law includes limited exceptions for medical necessity, off‑campus learning or individualized education program requirements.
  • It passed with broad bipartisan support in the Legislature and also restricts staff from requiring social media or using it for official school business except in limited cases.