SENATE DOCKET, NO. 2220        FILED ON: 1/17/2025

SENATE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No.         

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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PRESENTED BY:

Patrick M. O'Connor

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To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
Court assembled:

The undersigned legislators and/or citizens respectfully petition for the adoption of the accompanying bill:

An Act to regulate the use of mobile communication devices in educational institutions.

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PETITION OF:

SENATE DOCKET, NO. 2220        FILED ON: 1/17/2025

SENATE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No.         

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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In the One Hundred and Ninety-Fourth General Court
(2025-2026)

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An Act to regulate the use of mobile communication devices in educational institutions.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
 

SECTION 1. Chapter 69 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition, is hereby amended by inserting after section 37 the following new section:-

Section 38.

(a) For the purposes of this section, “Mobile communication device” shall be defined as to any portable electronic device that enables voice communication, text messaging, internet access, and application usage, including but not limited to smartphones and tablets.

(b) The department shall establish standards for school districts to prohibit the usage of mobile communication devices during instructional hours within all public elementary, secondary, and vocational schools. These standards shall require students store mobile communication devices in designated areas or lockers during school hours to minimize distractions and enhance focus during educational activities. The standards shall not prohibit authorized personnel from using mobile communication devices for official school purposes or students with documented medical needs or other exceptional circumstances from using mobile communication devices as approved by school administration. The standards shall require ensure schools establish clear communication to students and parents regarding the regulations and any consequences for violations of the school’s cell phone policy.

(c) The standards may allow schools to adopt exceptions for cellular phones which do not provide internet access or application usage to its users, so that students may communicate with parents and guardians while minimizing noise and distractions to the learning environment.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect at the beginning of the next academic year following its passage.