The Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed a bill Monday afternoon that would prohibit public school students from using cellphones during the school day.
House Bill 1814 passed with a 126-75 vote that split both parties. Local Democratic Reps. Tina Davis and Jim Prokopiak, along with Republican Reps. Joe Hogan and K.C. Tomlinson, were among those voting in favor of the legislation.
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As part of the bill, students would be required to secure their phones to prevent access until the end of the school day. Exceptions would be permitted for specific medical and emergency needs approved by school administrations.
The legislation leaves the exact method of enforcement up to school districts. Local schools could choose to collect the devices and return them at the end of the day, or require students to keep them stowed in their lockers.
If enacted, the ban would take effect for the 2027-2028 school year.
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“Our children need this bill,” Democratic Rep. Mandy Steele of Allegheny County 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.”
Steele stated Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro has urged the General Assembly to pass a school cellphone ban, and she called on the Senate to send the bill to his desk.
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Shapiro, a Democrat, and multiple educators have previously called for restrictions on in-school phone usage.
The bill now moves to the state Senate.
Similar legislation passed with bipartisan support in the Senate earlier this year.
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State Sen. Steve Santarsiero, a former teacher who represents the 10th Senatorial District, previously expressed support for a “consistent statewide standard prohibiting cellphone use during the school day, while still allowing school districts the flexibility to implement policies in a way that works best for their communities.”
Some lawmakers and parents have raised concerns against a statewide mandate.
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State Rep. Natalie Mihalek, a Republican from Washington County, said cellphone policies should be left up to each school district.
According to Education Week, close to 40 states and the District of Columbia currently restrict cellphone usage in schools.
