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Wyoming2025Did Not Pass

SF0021

Ban on Cell Phone Use in Schools

Last scannedOct 9, 2026, 2:19 AM

In one sentence

This act requires school districts to create policies prohibiting students from using cell phones and smart watches during instructional time, with exceptions for emergencies, staff authorization, individualized education plans, and health care needs.

What it does

  • Requires school boards to make rules against students using cell phones and smart watches during instructional time.
  • Defines a 'smart watch' as a wearable device that closely resembles a wristwatch or other timekeeping device with the capacity to act in place of or as an extension of a person's cellular telephone, but does not include devices that can only tell time, monitor health information, or track location.
  • Lists four situations where students can still use their devices: emergencies, staff authorization, individualized education plans, and health care needs.
  • Sets deadlines for schools to make these rules.

Who it affects

  • School districts and their boards of trustees
  • Students who attend public schools

Limits and unknowns

  • The bill did not pass and was rejected on January 21, 2025.
  • It is unclear how many schools were planning to follow these rules before the rejection.

Plain language

Terms to know

Smart watch
A wearable computing device that closely resembles a wristwatch or other timekeeping device with the capacity to act in place of or as an extension of a person's cellular telephone.

Official record

Sources

Source checked

Public statements

Why lawmakers voted

Last checked Aug 5, 3:53 AM

Cale Case

R · S25

Voted No

Why they voted this way

The lawmaker opposes the bill because he believes it displaces the primary responsibility of parents regarding their children's upbringing. He argues that this issue should not be legislated by the state.

Public statementFloor statement at 2:44:51 Watch the statement
Voted No

Why they voted this way

The lawmaker opposes passing a state law at this time because he believes school districts need flexibility to determine the best policies for their specific communities. He argues that local experimentation is necessary before enacting statewide restrictions.

Public statementFloor statement at 2:51:51 Watch the statement
Voted Yes

Why they voted this way

The lawmaker urges passage because he views cell phone distraction as a major epidemic that is harming student learning outcomes. He believes this bill will help improve the quality of instruction in middle and high schools.

Public statementFloor statement at 2:53:33 Watch the statement

Stacy Jones

R · S13

Voted No

Why they voted this way

The lawmaker opposes the bill because school districts in her area have requested the authority to make this decision themselves rather than having it legislated. She notes that some teachers use cell phones as engagement tools.

Public statementFloor statement at 2:55:14 Watch the statement

Troy McKeown

R · S24

Voted No

Why they voted this way

The lawmaker opposes the bill because he believes it lacks suggested punishments and simply shifts the burden back to school administrators without providing real solutions. He views it as a feel-good measure that does not effectively address the problem.

Public statementFloor statement at 2:55:53 Watch the statement

Evie Brennan

R · S31

Voted Yes

Why they voted this way

The lawmaker states she supports the bill because educators consistently report that cell phones are a major distraction preventing them from teaching effectively. She believes passing this sends a message to districts about supporting teachers.

Public statementFloor statement at 2:57:35 Watch the statement

Eric Barlow

R · S23

Voted Yes

Why they voted this way

The lawmaker supports a modified version of the bill that restricts rather than prohibits phone use, arguing it empowers school districts to make their own decisions. He believes this approach aligns with previous legislative actions instructing school boards.

Public statementFloor statement at 2:59:13 Watch the statement
Voted Yes

Why they voted this way

The lawmaker argues that the bill is necessary because data shows a direct link between cell phone use and increases in mental health issues, anxiety, and emotional distress among students. She believes schools must intervene to protect student potential.

Public statementFloor statement at 3:02:30 Watch the statement

If a lawmaker is not listed, we couldn't find a published reason.

Wyoming roll calls

Recorded votes

2 roll calls

Official activity

Bill history

  1. S COW:Failed 7-21-3-0-0Senate
  2. S Placed on General FileSenate
  3. S04 - Education:Recommend Amend and Do Pass 4-1-0-0-0Senate
  4. S Introduced and Referred to S04 - EducationSenate
  5. S Received for IntroductionSenate
  6. Bill Number AssignedLSO

Changes

Amendments

1 stored

SF0021SS001

The amendment changes the bill to restrict instead of prohibit cell phone use in schools and delays the effective date from July 1, 2025, to September 1, 2025.