SENATE DOCKET, NO. 2496        FILED ON: 1/17/2025

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

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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PRESENTED BY:

John J. Cronin

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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 promote phone free schools.

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PETITION OF:

SENATE DOCKET, NO. 2496        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 promote phone free schools.

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.  The department of elementary and secondary education shall establish a written policy prohibiting the use of wireless communication devices in K-12 public schools by students during the school day unless authorized by a principal. The policy shall include:

(a) one or more secure, designated areas where students may store their cellular telephones during the school day, which may include student lockers.

(b) one or more methods for parents and guardians of students to readily contact students during the school day and provide for written notification of parents and guardians of these methods at the beginning of each school year.

(c) The department of elementary and secondary education regulations shall provide for medical exceptions and other appropriate exigencies.