HB65 Alabama 2025 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Patrick SellersRepresentative

Democrat

Session

2025 Regular Session

Title

Public K-12 education; State Board of Education required to adopt model student cell phone use policy, local boards of education required to adopt cell phone use policy

Summary

HB65 would require the state to adopt a model policy restricting student use of cell phones and other electronic devices during the school day and require local districts to adopt policies based on that model.

What This Bill Does

The State Board of Education must adopt a model policy that bans the use of electronic communication devices during the school day, with exceptions. Local boards of education must adopt policies based on that model policy. The model policy defines electronic communication devices (including privately owned devices) and allows exceptions for emergencies, health care management, or usage that is part of a student’s IEP or Section 504 plan; violations can lead to suspensions. The act becomes effective June 1, 2025, and local boards must adopt and implement policies reflecting the model by the start of the 2026-2027 school year.

Who It Affects

• Public K-12 students in Alabama, whose use of cell phones and other electronic devices during the school day would be restricted, with specific exceptions.
• State Board of Education and local boards of education, who must create and implement policies based on the model policy.

Key Provisions

• The State Board of Education must adopt a model policy prohibiting use of electronic communication devices during the school day, with defined exceptions.
• The model policy provides exceptions for emergencies, health care management, and use that is part of a student’s IEP or Section 504 plan.
• Electronic communication device is defined to include privately owned devices capable of voice, messaging, or data communication, and excludes devices owned or issued by the local board.
• Any pupil who violates the policy is subject to suspension by the board of education.
• By the start of the 2026-2027 school year, local boards may adopt and implement local policies relating to device use that reflect the model policy.
• The act becomes effective on June 1, 2025.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Education