IL Senate sends school cell phone ban proposal to Pritzker

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — The Illinois Senate passed the bipartisan plan to institute a statewide school cell phone ban Sunday.

This bill requires school districts to adopt policies to ensure students do not use their cell phones during class time in a way that meets the needs of their community.

Districts would need to allow exceptions for high school students, children with IEPs, emergencies, student health or when the device is used for translation services.

"Having a consistent process for all school districts that they can apply is key versus various different policies," said Sen. Cristina Castro (D-Elgin).

Schools will not be allowed to enforce cell phone bans through fines, fees or deployment of school resource officers and local law enforcement.

Senate bill 2427 passed out of the Senate on a 55-2 vote. It previously received a 102-4 vote in the House.

"This constant source of distraction is lowering their academic progress," said Rep. Michelle Mussman (D-Schaumburg). "It's increasing anxiety, depression, cyberbullying and inhibiting face-to-face communication at a critical time when youth are developing their social skills."

The legislation now heads to Gov. JB Pritzker's desk for final action. Pritzker has worked with sponsors and advocates over the past few years to get the plan across the finish line.

"Every parent and educator knows the damage that unchecked screen time and social media can do to our children and how disruptive they can be in school," Pritzker said Sunday. "I am pleased that the Illinois General Assembly finished the job and look forward to signing these vital protections for our kids into law."