On February 3, 2026, Senate Bill No. 1014 passed with near unanimous support in the Pennsylvania Senate. Likely to pass in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, Pennsylvania school administrators are encouraged to review the prospective law and its implications on student cellphone usage in schools.
Mandatory Policies
If enacted, the law will require school entities to adopt “a policy related to student possession and use of mobile devices during the school day while on school property,” no later than the start of the 2027-2028 school year. “School entities” include school districts, intermediate units, area career and technical schools, charter schools, regional charter schools, and cyber charter schools operating in Pennsylvania.
Specifically, such policies must (1) prohibit the use of mobile devices during the school day, while on school property; (2) establish how a student’s possession of a mobile device will be restricted; and (3) include appropriate enforcement and oversight provisions.
What are “Mobile Devices”?
“Mobile device” means “a personal mobile telephone or other portable electronic device capable of connecting to the Internet and enabling the user to access content on the Internet, that is not owned [or issued] by [the school].” This includes cellphones, tablets, smart watches, and other devices that fall within this definition.
Exceptions
The law establishes several exceptions that must be included in a school’s policy. These exceptions include permitting mobile device use for (1) medical reasons, (2) accommodations under an individualized education program (IEP) or 504 service agreement, (3) English learners, and (4) purposes instructed by a teacher, as approved by the building principal.
Under certain conditions, the Chief School Administrator or designee may approve additional exceptions upon request by a building principal. Such requests must include the purpose of the exception, the date, time, and duration of the exception, and a description of to whom the exception shall apply.
Confiscating Students’ Devices
Notably, the law does not require school entities to take possession or confiscate students’ mobile devices. However, the law does offer protection to school entities that adopt policies permitting the confiscation of students’ mobile devices, providing that school entities and employees “shall not be liable for any damage or lost mobile device” secured in accordance with the policy.
Policy Adoption
Prior to adopting the policy, schools must ensure the opportunity for public comment and feedback from parents and legal guardians, employees and employee organizations, and students. The law also encourages schools to engage with these individuals “in a stakeholder process,” allowing schools to obtain community input for incorporation into their policies.
Publication & PDE Verification
Within five (5) days of adoption, the policy must be posted on the school’s publicly accessible website. If the policy is subsequently amended, the amended policy must also be posted within five (5) days of amendment.
The law also requires schools to submit documentation to the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) verifying that a copy of its policy or amended policy has been posted in accordance with the law.
Notification to Parents and Guardians
At the beginning of each school year and upon a student’s enrollment in the school, school entities must provide written notification to parents and legal guardians regarding how they can contact their child during the school day, such as via the school’s phone number or e-mail address. This notification must also include how parents and legal guardians can sign up for emergency notifications.
Effective Dates
Once enacted, the law will take effect immediately. However, schools have until the start of the 2027-2028 to adopt a policy, at the latest.
Bottom Line For Schools
Importantly, school administrators must note that the bill is not yet law. The bill awaits passage by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and approval by Governor Shapiro before it becomes law. Nonetheless, the Senate’s bipartisan support and the Governor’s call to action, asking the General Assembly to pass the bill, suggests that schools should be proactive in planning how it will implement the law’s requirements.
We anticipate schools, parents and guardians, employees, and students alike will have many questions and concerns about the anticipated statewide ban on student cellphone usage. School administrators are encouraged to meet with their leadership teams and start planning how they will address these questions and concerns.
KingSpry’s Education Law Team is keeping abreast of the pending legislation and is prepared to assist school entities in developing their cellphone usage policies.
School Law Bullets are a publication of KingSpry’s Education Law Practice Group. They are meant to be informational and do not constitute legal advice. If your school has a question, please consult your legal counsel or one of the Education attorneys at KingSpry.
