2026 Legislative Session Dates
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Key Takeaways:

  • At the end of each year, our policy analysts share insights on the issues that have been at the forefront of state legislatures throughout the year.
  • Cell phones in schools legislation saw a notable increase in 2025, with 23 states enacting new laws to restrict or ban device use, often requiring school districts to create their own policies.
  • State cell phone bans in schools remain rare, but Florida, Louisiana, and Utah have implemented statewide restrictions, with Utah extending its policy to include smartwatches.
  • Most school district cell phone policies now require clear guidelines and exemptions, particularly for medical needs or emergencies, reflecting a balance between safety concerns and minimizing distractions.
  • Looking ahead to 2026, cell phone restrictions are expected to expand as more states consider new legislation, with several states already proposing incentive programs and pending smartphone bans in state legislatures.


At the end of each year, our policy analysts share insights on the issues that have been at the forefront of state legislatures throughout the session during their review of thousands of bills across all 50 states.


State Approaches to Cell Phone Restrictions in Schools

In the past few years, legislation concerning the use of cell phones in schools has increased significantly, with states and school districts around the country implementing new regulations. States differ in their approach to these regulations, with most requiring school districts to develop and implement a policy that suits their students’ needs. However, a small handful of states, including Florida and Louisiana, have implemented statewide bans. In states where school districts develop their own policies, some have put total bans in place while others require students to lock phones away during instructional time. Many parents argue that cell phones are a necessity for children due to safety and logistical concerns, but teachers and administrators believe that they create distractions and may contribute to other problems like mental health issues and bullying.


2025 Legislative Activity on Cell Phones in Schools

The 23 states that enacted legislation to restrict or ban cell phone use in schools in 2025 represented a drastic increase in activity from the year before. The majority of the states that enacted policies in 2025 require school districts to develop and implement their own requirements for students’ devices, like the new laws in Colorado and Iowa. The legislation typically includes requirements for districts to develop policies detailing exemptions to the restrictions, usually for medical reasons or emergencies. Notably, Utah was the only state in 2025 to implement a statewide restriction on not only smartphones, but smartwatches as well.



What to Expect for Cell Phone Policies in 2026

Of the remaining nineteen states that have not enacted legislation on cell phone use in schools, many will consider policies in 2026. A handful of states, like Connecticut, have already recommended that school districts implement their own policies. And a few, like Pennsylvania, have developed incentive policies that provide funding for lockable smartphone bags if a school district develops a policy that prohibits cell phone use throughout the day. Six states currently have pending legislation – Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, and Wisconsin – that will likely see movement in 2026 sessions.

Tracking State Education Legislation 

MultiState’s team is actively identifying and tracking education issues so that businesses and organizations have the information they need to navigate and effectively engage. If your organization would like to further track these or other related issues, please contact us.