MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
Kansas lawmakers have approved legislation that would require schools across the state to limit student cell phone use during the school day.
The Kansas House on Tuesday passed House Bill 2299 by a vote of 84–39. The Kansas Senate previously approved the measure March 5 on a 32–4 vote. The bill now heads to Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly for consideration.
If signed into law, the legislation would require Kansas school districts and accredited private schools to adopt policies restricting student cell phone use during school hours. Supporters say the move is aimed at reducing classroom distractions and improving student focus.
Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins, a Republican from Sedgwick County, said the legislation is intended to address growing concerns about the impact smartphones and social media have on students’ learning and mental health.
House Majority Leader Chris Croft, a Republican from Johnson County, also voiced support for the bill, calling cell phone use a significant challenge for educators.
However, some lawmakers questioned whether the issue should be handled at the state level.
Rep. Jerry Stogsdill, a Democrat from Overland Park, said many school districts have already begun addressing student cell phone use through local policies.
Gov. Kelly can sign the bill into law, veto it or allow it to become law without her signature. If she vetoes the measure, lawmakers would need a two-thirds majority vote in both chambers to override the veto.
The proposal reflects a broader national trend as states and school districts consider stricter rules on student smartphone use in classrooms. Supporters say the policies help restore focus to learning environments, while critics argue local districts should retain flexibility in determining how to manage devices in schools.