SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WBBM Newsradio) – Illinois students could soon be required to keep their cellphones put away throughout the entire school day under legislation approved by state lawmakers and backed by Gov. JB Pritzker.
On Sunday, the Illinois Senate passed Senate Bill 2427, sending the measure to the governor's desk on the final day of the General Assembly's legislative session. Pritzker has indicated he plans to sign the bill into law.
The legislation would require all K-12 school districts in Illinois to adopt "bell-to-bell" cellphone policies, restricting student use of phones and other wireless communication devices from the start of the school day until dismissal.
In a statement following the bill's passage, Pritzker called the measure a vital protection for students and said excessive screen time and social media use have become disruptive in schools.
Supporters of the legislation say limiting cellphone use will help students stay focused in class and improve learning environments. The governor's office has pointed to research showing many teachers consider cellphone distractions a major challenge during instruction.
The bill includes several exceptions, allowing students to use phones for medical needs, requirements outlined in an Individualized Education Program, and certain language-learning purposes. Students who serve as caregivers for family members would also be eligible for medical-related exemptions.
Under the measure, the Illinois State Board of Education must develop and publish a model wireless communication device policy by Sept. 1. School districts would then use that guidance to implement their own local policies.
Several Illinois school districts, including Elgin School District U-46 and Hinsdale Township High School District 86, have already implemented cellphone restrictions. Similar laws have also been adopted in a growing number of states, including neighboring Indiana.
