Prohibits students from accessing their wireless communications devices on school property, unless authorized for classroom use; prohibits students from accessing social media platforms through the use of internet access provided by the school district, except when expressly directed to for class instruction.
STATE OF NEW YORK
________________________________________________________________________
9951
IN SENATE
April 17, 2026
___________
Introduced by Sen. BOTTCHER -- read twice and ordered printed, and when
printed to be committed to the Committee on Education
AN ACT to amend the education law, in relation to restricting the use of
wireless communication devices by students on school property
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assem-bly, do enact as follows:
1 Section 1. The education law is amended by adding a new section 2801-c
2 to read as follows:
3 § 2801-c. Wireless communication device use restricted. 1. For
4 purposes of this section:
5 (a) "Wireless communication device" or "device" means any portable
6 wireless device that has the capability to provide voice, messaging, or
7 other data communication between two or more parties, including but not
8 limited to a (i) cellular phone, (ii) computer, (iii) gaming device, or
9 (iv) smart watch. "Device" does not include any technology provided by
10 the school district for purposes of class instruction.
11 (b) "School day" shall mean every instructional day as required by
12 subdivision seven of section thirty-six hundred four of this chapter.
13 (c) "Access" means the viewing, holding, wearing, or otherwise use of
14 a device for the purpose of communication, internet access, gaming, or
15 any other function commonly associated with devices.
16 2. During the school day, students are prohibited from accessing their
17 device on school property, unless authorized for classroom use. Devices
18 shall be powered off and stored in a manner prescribed by the depart-
19 ment, including but not limited to storage in a student's locker or
20 specified phone pouches.
21 3. If a student violates this section, the student will be subject to
22 progressive consequences as prescribed by section twenty-eight hundred
23 one of this article and any applicable local student code of conduct.
24 4. Students are prohibited from accessing social media platforms
25 through the use of internet access provided by the school district,
26 except when expressly directed to for class instruction.
27 5. Nothing in this section shall prohibit a student from using a
28 device if:
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[] is old law to be omitted.
LBD00752-01-5
S. 9951 2
1 (a) the use of the device is included in the student's individual
2 education program, or plan developed under Section 504 of the federal
3 Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. 794; or
4 (b) a licensed physician determines that the access of a device by the
5 student is necessary for the health and well-being of the student.
6 § 2. This act shall take effect on the first of July next succeeding
7 the date on which it shall have become a law. Effective immediately, the
8 addition, amendment and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary
9 for the implementation of this act on its effective date are authorized
10 to be made and completed on or before such effective date.
