Kansas Governor Laura Kelly signs a bill banning the use of cell phones and personal electronic devices during the school day.

 

The Senate Substitute for House Bill 2299 has received bipartisan support in both chambers of the Kansas Legislature.

 

The bill requires Kansas public schools and accredited private schools to prohibit the use of personal electronic devices during the school day on school premises. These devices include, but are not limited to, cell phones, tablets, computers, watches, wireless headphones or earbuds, text messaging devices, and personal digital assistants. Students’ personal devices must be turned off and securely stored during the school day.

 

Local representatives including State Senator Virgil Peck and Representative Dr. Ron Bryce have both been supportive of the legislation. Senate Democratic Leader Dinah Sykes says she also sees the need for this.

 

The bill includes exceptions if a device is needed for the implementation of a student’s individualized education program or 504 plan, or if approved by a physician as a medical necessity. Students may still contact a parent or guardian via school phone. The bill does not apply to technology that is issued to students by school districts.