HB 2251 · 2025 session
Did not passStudent use of personal electronic devices
Directs school districts to adopt a policy that prohibits the use of student personal electronic devices.
Where it stands
Last action, June 27, 2025: In committee upon adjournment.
What it does
Requires school districts to have a policy that does not allow students to use cell phones and similar devices.
Full legislative summary
Directs school districts to adopt a policy that prohibits the use of student personal electronic devices.
Already in place in Oregon
- Executive Order 25-09(opens in a new tab)2025Executive orderGovernor Kotek’s order requires every school district to ban student cell phone use for the whole school day, bell to bell, with exceptions for medical needs and IEP or 504 plans. Policies took effect January 1, 2026, and students can’t be suspended or expelled for a phone violation alone.
- Personal electronic device policy FAQ(opens in a new tab)2026Agency guidanceThe Oregon Department of Education’s guide to the executive order: what counts as a device (smartwatches included), what every district policy must cover and how exemptions work.
- ORS 336.840(opens in a new tab)2013LawEvery school board must have a personal device policy. Boards may ban social media, entertainment and other non-academic use during school hours, and staff can’t demand access to a student’s personal accounts.
Similar laws in other states
- Florida HB 379(opens in a new tab)2023Requires districts to bar student cellphone use during instructional time and block social media on school networks; expanded to all-day K-8 in 2025.
- Louisiana SB 207(opens in a new tab)2024Requires students' phones and other devices to be turned off and stowed for the school day, with exceptions for IEP needs.
- California AB 3216(opens in a new tab)2024Phone-Free School Act: every district and charter school had to adopt a policy limiting or banning student smartphone use by July 1, 2026.
- Arkansas SB 142(opens in a new tab)2025Bell to Bell, No Cell Act: bars students from using personal electronic devices for the full school day.
- Virginia HB 1961(opens in a new tab)2025Requires every school board to restrict student cellphone possession and use bell-to-bell, putting a 2024 executive order into law.
- New York S3006-C(opens in a new tab)2025State budget law requiring schools to bar student use of internet-enabled devices for the whole school day, including lunch.
- Texas HB 1481(opens in a new tab)2025Requires districts and charter schools to prohibit student use of personal communication devices during the school day.
- Georgia HB 340(opens in a new tab)2025Bans personal devices bell-to-bell in grades K-8; a 2026 law (HB 1009) extends this to high schools.
- New Jersey S3695(opens in a new tab)2026Requires every public K-12 school to adopt a bell-to-bell cellphone ban starting in the 2026-27 school year.
- Illinois SB 2427(opens in a new tab)2026Requires bell-to-bell device policies from 2027-28, full-day for K-8; bars fines, suspensions or police as enforcement.
History
· Senate
In committee upon adjournment.
· Senate
Work Session held.
· Senate
Public Hearing held.
· Senate
Referred to Education.
· Senate
First reading. Referred to President's desk.
· House
Vote explanation(s) filed by Diehl, Hartman.
· House
Third reading. Carried by Wallan. Passed.
· House
Second reading.
· House
Recommendation: Do pass with amendments and be printed A-Engrossed.
· House
Work Session held.
· House
Public Hearing held.
· House
Referred to Education.
· House
First reading. Referred to Speaker's desk.