The Pennsylvania House and Senate have each passed pieces of legislation requiring schools to implement a bell-to-bell cell phone ban by the start of the 2027-2028 school year.

Pennsylvania’s Senate passed a bipartisan “Phone-Free Schools” bill in February. The bill moved on to the House where it was slated for a potential final vote today. Because the bill was amended by a House committee, the Senate will need to vote on the revised measure.

According to a news release from PA House Democrats, a similar bill, House Bill 1814, passed by a 126-75 vote today.

The bill “would prohibit students in public schools from using or possessing a cell phone during the school day,” according to the release. “Students would be required to secure their phones in a way that prevents access until the end of the day, with exceptions for certain emergency and medical needs approved by school administrators.”

The bill now moves to the state Senate for consideration.

“Our children need this bill,” Representative Mandy Steele (Allegheny County), who sponsored the bill, said. “It’s taken a lot of hard work to get this bill to this point, but it’s been worth the effort. Research shows that unfettered access to devices is harming our children, and many educators tell me this bill is desperately needed. Governor Shapiro has urged the General Assembly to send him a bill banning cell phones in schools, and I urge the Senate to send this bill to his desk for the benefit of our children.”

Nearly 40 states currently restrict cell phone use in schools, according to Education Week. 29 states enforce a full “bell-to-bell” ban, also known as an “away for a day” policy.

“Our kids deserve to learn in a classroom that’s free from distraction and where they can spend real time together, free from screens,” Governor Josh Shapiro said in a post. “Protecting our kids’ childhood is bipartisan — Democrats and Republicans agree on this. So let’s get a bill to my desk and get this done.”

In related news, the Distracted Driving Law (also known as Paul Miller’s Law) will take effect June 5.

The law prohibits drivers from using hand-held devices while driving. More information about the law can be found here.