SB3960 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB104 20159 LNS 33610 b

104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2025 and 2026
SB3960

Introduced 2/6/2026, by Sen. Erica Harriss

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

105 ILCS 5/10-20.88 new
105 ILCS 5/34-18.88 new

Amends the School Code. Requires, on or before the 2027-2028 school year, each school board to adopt and implement a wireless communication device policy that limits the use of wireless communication devices by students during instructional time to the greatest extent possible. Provides that the wireless communication device policy shall be developed in consultation with the parent-teacher advisory committee. Establishes exceptions for wireless communication device use during instructional time. Requires each school board to review its wireless communication device policy in consultation with the parent-teacher advisory committee at least once every 3 years and make any necessary and appropriate revisions to the policy. Provides that a school district shall publicly post the policy on its website. Provides that, if the school district does not operate a website, then the school district shall provide a copy of the policy to the parents or guardians of every student enrolled in the school district. Effective immediately.

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning education.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The School Code is amended by adding Sections 10-20.88 and 34-18.88 as follows:

(105 ILCS 5/10-20.88 new)

Sec. 10-20.88. Wireless communication device policy.

(a) As used in this Section:

"Instructional time" means the time during a school day students spend learning and participating in school activities. "Instructional time" does not include recess, passing time, or lunch time.

"Parent-teacher advisory committee" means a committee made up of equal parts teachers employed by the school district and parents of students enrolled in the school district.

"Wireless communication device" means any portable wireless device that has the capability to provide voice, messaging, or other data communication between 2 or more parties, including, but not limited to:

(1) cellular telephones;

(2) tablet computers;

(3) laptop computers;

(4) gaming devices; and

(5) wearable devices, including smart watches or smart glasses.

"Wireless communication device" does not include any device that a school district or teacher has directly issued to, provided for, or required a student to possess and use for educational purposes during instructional time.

(b) On or before the 2027-2028 school year, each school board shall adopt and implement a wireless communication device policy. The wireless communication device policy shall limit the use of wireless communication devices by students during instructional time to the greatest extent possible. The wireless communication device policy shall be developed in consultation with the parent-teacher advisory committee. Meetings between the school board and the parent-teacher advisory committee for the purpose of creating a wireless communication device policy shall be open to the public.

(c) Wireless communication device policies created as a result of this Section shall not:

(1) inhibit a student from using a wireless communication device that is important to a student's health or well-being and is prescribed for use by a licensed physician;

(2) inhibit a student from using a wireless communication device that is required under an individualized education program or a plan developed under Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973;

(3) inhibit a student from using a wireless communication device during an emergency situation; or

(4) inhibit a student from using a wireless communication device that is authorized by the school district to be used during instructional time.

(d) Each school board shall review its wireless communication device policy in consultation with the parent-teacher advisory committee at least once every 3 years and make any necessary and appropriate revisions to the policy.

(e) A school district shall publicly post the policy on its website. If the school district does not operate a website, then the school district shall provide a copy of the policy to the parents or guardians of every student enrolled in the school district.

(105 ILCS 5/34-18.88 new)

Sec. 34-18.88. Wireless communication device policy.

(a) As used in this Section:

"Instructional time" means the time during a school day students spend learning and participating in school activities. "Instructional time" does not include recess, passing time, or lunch time.

"Parent-teacher advisory committee" means a committee made up of equal parts teachers employed by the school district and parents of students enrolled in the school district.

"Wireless communication device" means any portable wireless device that has the capability to provide voice, messaging, or other data communication between 2 or more parties, including, but not limited to:

(1) cellular telephones;

(2) tablet computers;

(3) laptop computers;

(4) gaming devices; and

(5) wearable devices, including smart watches or smart glasses.

"Wireless communication device" does not include any device that the school district or teacher has directly issued to, provided for, or required a student to possess and use for educational purposes during instructional time.

(b) On or before the 2027-2028 school year, the board shall adopt and implement a wireless communication device policy. The wireless communication device policy shall limit the use of wireless communication devices by students during instructional time to the greatest extent possible. The wireless communication device policy shall be developed in consultation with the parent-teacher advisory committee. Meetings between the board and the parent-teacher advisory committee for the purpose of creating a wireless communication device policy shall be open to the public.

(c) Wireless communication device policies created as a result of this Section shall not:

(1) inhibit a student from using a wireless communication device that is important to a student's health or well-being and is prescribed for use by a licensed physician;

(2) inhibit a student from using a wireless communication device that is required under an individualized education program or a plan developed under Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973;

(3) inhibit a student from using a wireless communication device during an emergency situation; or

(4) inhibit a student from using a wireless communication device that is authorized by the school district to be used during instructional time.

(d) The board shall review its wireless communication device policy in consultation with the parent-teacher advisory committee at least once every 3 years and make any necessary and appropriate revisions to the policy.

(e) The school district shall publicly post the policy on its website. If the school district does not operate a website, then the school district shall provide a copy of the policy to the parents or guardians of every student enrolled in the school district.

Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon becoming law.