Overview
- State law now requires schools to prohibit student smartphone use during instructional time, with enforcement details set locally.
- Exemptions allow basic flip phones, medically necessary devices, district‑issued technology, and teacher‑approved instructional uses.
- Senate Bill 495 adds a requirement for written procedures governing student phone access during emergencies.
- The package won bipartisan support in both chambers after earlier efforts stalled in 2025.
- District pilots in places such as Northview and Avondale reported higher engagement and fewer discipline issues after restricting phones.