RI Senate Passes Bill Banning Students From Having Cellphones During The School Day

PROVIDENCE, RI — The Rhode Island State Senate has passed a bill which would require every school in Rhode Island to have policies prohibiting students from having access to cellphones during the school day.

The bill was sponsored by state Senate Health and Human Services Committee Chair Melissa Murray, who said she is worried about cellphones being a distraction in education.

"While cell phones and other personal electronics have become a part of everyday life for most of us, they are also an immense distraction at school," Murray said. "Fortunately, there is growing recognition that kids are better able to focus and succeed academically, socially and emotionally when schools are device-free. All students and schools in Rhode Island will benefit when kids can engage in real life with their teachers and peers."

The legislation (2025-S 0771A) would require each public school to have a policy regarding the use of personal electronic devices on school grounds and during school-sponsored activities, including a prohibition on physical access during the school day, with exceptions allowed for assistive technology and other special needs specified in a students individual education plan (IEP) or 504 plan, for medical needs such as glucose monitoring or for emergent multilingual learners for language access programs. Exceptions shall also be made in the event of an emergency.

To address privacy concerns in situations when a school might confiscate a device held by a student in violation of the policy, the bill was amended to add a provision that prohibits schools from searching the contents of any student’s personal electronic device.

The legislation requires each school district and charter school to file its policy with the Rhode Island Department of Education. If passed, the bill would take effect Aug. 1, 2026.

Currently, 15 states have passed laws or enacted policies that ban or restrict cellphone use in the classroom, and some of the largest school districts in the country have implemented similar policies.

The legislation now goes to the Rhode Island House of Representatives, where Rep. Julie Casimiro (D-Dist. 31, North Kingstown, Exeter) is sponsoring its companion bill (2025-H 5598).

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