Requires public school districts and charter schools to prevent student use of electronic personal communications devices during regularly scheduled instructional activities
Summary
HB 854 requires every Missouri school district and charter school governing board to adopt a written policy on student possession and use of electronic personal communications devices beginning with the 2026-27 school year. The policy must be designed to support students’ educational interests and create a safe, effective working environment for school employees and volunteers. At a minimum, the policy must prohibit students from displaying or using such devices during regularly scheduled instructional activities, and it must spell out the disciplinary procedures and measures that will apply when the policy is violated.
The bill also requires each policy to include exceptions for emergencies, for use directed by a school employee or volunteer for instructional purposes, and for uses authorized under federal disability laws, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Rehabilitation Act. School districts and charter schools must publish the policy on their websites. The bill further provides liability protection for employees and volunteers who act in good faith and follow the adopted disciplinary procedures.
Impact
HB 854 would add a new section to Chapter 162, RSMo, creating a statewide requirement for local school boards and charter school governing boards to regulate student use of cell phones and similar electronic personal communications devices during class time. It does not impose one uniform statewide discipline code, but it does require each district and charter school to adopt, publish, and enforce a policy that meets minimum standards, thereby affecting local school governance, student conduct rules, and school disciplinary practices. The bill also creates a statutory immunity provision for school employees and volunteers acting in good faith under the policy.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee debate or votes, the available record suggests a straightforward policy proposal with an administrative and classroom-management focus rather than a highly partisan measure. The bill’s structure indicates an effort to balance restrictions on device use with limited exceptions for emergencies, instructional needs, and disability-related accommodations. No formal vote history or transcript discussion is provided, so there is no documented opposition or support beyond the bill’s introduction.
Contention
The main potential points of contention are likely to be the scope of the classroom ban, how strictly districts should enforce it, and how much discretion local boards should have in setting disciplinary measures. Another likely issue is the balance between limiting distractions and preserving access for students who rely on devices for accessibility or educational support under federal disability laws. Some stakeholders may also question the liability shield for employees and volunteers or whether the policy mandate should be left entirely to local control rather than set by state law.