Signed by Governor Kevin Stitt

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to concur with Senate amendments and pass a bill that requires school districts to implement policies prohibiting cell phones in schools in Oklahoma.

Highlights:

• Requires state school districts to implement policies prohibiting cell phones, and personal electronic devices in schools throughout each school day in Oklahoma beginning in the 2025-2026 school year (Sec. 1).

• Prohibits students from using cell phones and smartwatches throughout the school day and while present on school grounds (Sec. ).

• Defines “cell phone” in this bill as a portable wireless telephone device that is designed to send or receive transmissions through a cellular radiotelephone service (Sec. ).

• Defines “personal electronic device” as any personal device capable of connecting to a smartphone, the Internet, a cellular or Wi-Fi network, or directly connecting to another similar device, including (Sec. ):

• Smartwatches;

• Smart headphones;

• Laptops;

• Tablets; and 

• Smart glasses.

• Exempts electronic devices that are school-issued or school-approved and specifically limited for use in classroom instruction from these restrictions (Sec. 1).

• Defines “school day” as the entirety of the day, from the first bell indicating the beginning of classroom instruction through the final bell indicating the end of classroom instruction (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill shall take effect beginning July 1, 2025 (Sec. 2).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to amend and pass a bill that requires school districts to implement policies prohibiting cell phones in schools in Oklahoma.

Highlights:

• Requires state school districts to implement policies prohibiting cell phones, and personal electronic devices in schools throughout each school day in Oklahoma beginning in the 2025-2026 school year (Sec. 1).

• Prohibits students from using cell phones and smartwatches throughout the school day and while present on school grounds (Sec. ).

• Defines “cell phone” in this bill as a portable wireless telephone device that is designed to send or receive transmissions through a cellular radiotelephone service (Sec. ).

• Defines “personal electronic device” as any personal device capable of connecting to a smartphone, the Internet, a cellular or Wi-Fi network, or directly connecting to another similar device, including (Sec. ):

• Smartwatches;

• Smart headphones;

• Laptops;

• Tablets; and 

• Smart glasses.

• Exempts electronic devices that are school-issued or school-approved and specifically limited for use in classroom instruction from these restrictions (Sec. 1).

• Defines “school day” as the entirety of the day, from the first bell indicating the beginning of classroom instruction through the final bell indicating the end of classroom instruction (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill shall take effect beginning July 1, 2025 (Sec. 2).

Full Bill Text