Schools; extending prohibition on use of cell phones and personal electronic devices on certain campuses. Effective date. Emergency.
Summary
SB1719 amends Oklahoma’s existing school cell phone restriction law to extend and tighten the prohibition on student use of cell phones and other personal electronic devices on public school campuses. The bill defines “bell to bell” as the full instructional day from the first bell to dismissal and defines “personal electronic device” broadly to include devices such as smart watches, smart headphones, laptops, tablets, and smart glasses, while excluding school-issued or school-approved instructional devices.
Under the bill, each public school district board of education would be required to adopt a policy for the 2025-2026 school year prohibiting student use of cell phones and personal electronic devices on campus from bell to bell, with disciplinary procedures for violations. Beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, the bill changes that requirement to permissive language, stating that boards may adopt such a policy. The bill also allows exceptions for emergencies and for students using devices to monitor health issues. It would take effect July 1, 2026, but also contains an emergency clause making it effective upon passage and approval.
Impact
The bill would amend 70 O.S. Supp. 2025, Section 1-126, which governs school-campus restrictions on student use of cell phones and personal electronic devices. It expands the scope of the prohibition, clarifies the devices covered, and changes the timing and nature of district obligations by requiring a policy for one school year and then allowing districts discretion in later years. Public school district boards of education would be the primary entities affected, along with students, parents, and school administrators responsible for enforcement and discipline.
Sentiment
The available context suggests the bill is part of an ongoing policy effort to limit student device use during the school day, with no recorded committee debate or votes provided in the materials. The bill’s structure indicates support for a stronger statewide restriction at least initially, while also preserving local flexibility in later years. Because there are no transcripts or vote records, there is no documented opposition or support to characterize beyond the bill’s text and procedural posture.
Contention
The main point of potential contention is the shift from a mandatory statewide policy requirement for the 2025-2026 school year to a permissive policy option beginning in 2026-2027, which may reflect debate over state mandate versus local control. Another likely issue is the breadth of the device ban, since it covers a wide range of personal electronics beyond phones, including smart watches and laptops, though school-issued instructional devices are exempt. Exceptions for emergencies and health-monitoring devices may also be important to stakeholders concerned about student safety and medical needs.
Schools; requiring district policies prohibiting student cell phone and personal electronic device use under certain circumstances; effective date; emergency.
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Schools; directing school district boards of education to adopt policies prohibiting students from accessing certain social network or social media platforms on certain computers and devices. Effective date. Emergency.