PA.Regulation
Pennsylvania Act 117 requires bell-to-bell mobile device policies in schools by 2027-28
Pennsylvania enacted Senate Bill 1014 as Act No. 117 of 2026 on October 26, 2026, adding Section 1314-A to the Public School Code of 1949. The act requires each school entity to adopt a bell-to-bell phone-free policy by the start of the 2027-2028 school year. Policies prohibit student use of personal mobile devices during the whole school day on school property, with stated exceptions.
Enrolled text (Pennsylvania General Assembly) → · Philadelphia Weekly
Key points
- Section 1314-A covers school districts, intermediate units, career and technical schools, charter and cyber charter schools, and private and nonpublic schools.Pennsylvania General Assembly
- The school day includes homeroom, lunch, recess and time between classes; entities decide how possession is restricted and need not take possession of devices.Pennsylvania General Assembly
- Exceptions cover documented medical conditions, IEP or 504 accommodations, English learners using translation, and limited teacher-directed instructional use approved by a principal.Pennsylvania General Assembly
- Entities post the adopted policy on a public website within five business days and submit documentation verifying the posting to the Department of Education.Pennsylvania General Assembly
- The House passed the bill 141 to 62 on October 19, the Senate concurred 47 to 3 on October 21; it took effect immediately.Pennsylvania General Assembly
- WHYY reported Pennsylvania joins 26 other states with a statewide bell-to-bell restriction, while the Pennsylvania Capital-Star put the number at two dozen states.Philadelphia Weekly
Sources3 articles across 2 outlets
Pennsylvania General Assembly
Philadelphia Weekly