SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Gov. JB Pritzker signed a highly anticipated bill into law Tuesday to establish a statewide school cell phone ban. The law has been years in the making, and many schools have already implemented their own phone policies.
This law requires school districts to adopt policies that ensure students do not use their cell phones during class time. Districts will need to allow exceptions for high school students using phones during lunch and passing periods, children with IEPs, emergencies, student health, or when the device is used for translation services.
"Bullying declines, grade point averages improve, AP scores increase," Pritzker said. "Students spend more time connecting with one another instead of scrolling past one another."
Schools will not be allowed to enforce cell phone bans through fines, fees or deployment of school resource officers and local law enforcement.
"This bill makes clear that schools cannot rely on expulsions, suspensions, fines and/or tickets to enforce this policy," said Sen. Cristina Castro (D-Elgin).
The Illinois State Board of Education will share a template policy for districts on Sept. 1, so school leaders can start developing policies and engage with their communities for feedback.
"The bill does encourage community participation in the development of their cell phone policy, and that is something that the school district will have to determine for itself if they think it is better to go bell-to-bell or if they would like to add a little flexibility," said Rep. Michelle Mussman (D-Schaumburg). "Certainly, anytime they reevaluate their policy, they may choose to make different choices."
Illinois schools must implement finalized cell phone bans by the start of the 2027-2028 school year. Districts that already have cell phone bans in place will need to update their guidance to align with the state law during the 2031 school year.
Senate Bill 2427 passed out of the Senate on a 55-2 vote. The measure received a 102-4 vote in the House.
"Students are distracted. Teachers sometimes have trouble getting students' attention," Pritzker said. "Principals are experiencing disruption that smartphones created throughout the school day. Parents have been concerned and have seen cyberbullying and, of course, the mental health impact that social media and phone usage are having on our kids."
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