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HB2563
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
H.B. NO.
2563
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026
STATE OF HAWAII
A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating
to education
.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
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SECTION
1.
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The legislature finds that cellphone
use in schools can be detrimental to student achievement and wellbeing.
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Research has shown that allowing cellphones
in the classroom impacts student focus and engagement, leading to decreased
academic performance on tests and adversely impacting students' long-term
learning retention.
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Excessive cellphone
use can also distract students from in-person socialization, which is critical
for students' physical and mental wellbeing.
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The
legislature further finds that there is a growing number of states that are
banning or restricting cellphone use in schools.
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At least nineteen states have passed laws or
enacted policies that ban or restrict students' use of cellphones in schools
statewide or have recommended that local districts enact bans or restrictive
policies.
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In Hawaii, efforts to ban
cellphones in schools have had a positive impact on students, with teachers
reporting fewer distractions in class and more social interactions among
students.
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The
legislature declares that banning the use of cell phones and related devices,
such as smart watches, earbuds, AirPods, Bluetooth connected headphones, and
smart glasses, by students during school hours is a matter of statewide
concern.
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The
purpose of this Act is to require the board of education to adopt a policy that,
beginning in the 2027-2028 school year, bans the use of cell phones and related
devices, such as smart watches, earbuds, AirPods, Bluetooth connected
headphones, and smart glasses, by students during school hours, except for
instructional purposes.
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SECTION
2.
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Chapter 302A, Hawaii Revised
Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and
to read as follows:
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�302A-
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Phone-and-related devices-free,
bell-to-bell policy.
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The board shall establish a phone-and-related
devices- free, bell-to-bell policy for public schools to be implemented
beginning with the 2027-2028 school year; provided that phones and related
devices may be used for instructional purposes; provided further that the
policy may be implemented in phases for each school level.
"
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SECTION
3.
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New statutory material is
underscored.
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SECTION 4.
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This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
INTRODUCED BY:
_____________________________
Report Title:
Department
of Education; Phones; Related Devices; Ban
Description:
Requires the
Board of Education to adopt a policy that bans the use of phones and related
devices by students during school hours, except for instructional purposes, to
begin in the 2027-2028 school year.
The summary description
of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is
not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.