Policies to prohibit the use of wireless communication devices during the school day in public schools

What it would have done

Summary by the Legislative Reference Bureau, the Legislature's nonpartisan drafting office. It's their wording, not ours.

2025 Wisconsin Act 42 requires each school board to adopt, by July 1, 2026, a policy that generally prohibits pupils from using wireless communication devices during instructional time. The policy must define a “wireless communication device” as a portable wireless device that is capable of providing voice, messaging, or other data communication between two or more parties and must include cellular phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, and gaming devices. The policy must include exceptions to the general prohibition against using wireless communication devices during instructional time 1) for emergencies and perceived threats, 2) to manage a pupil’s health care, 3) for a use included in an individualized education program or 504 plan, and 4) for a use authorized by a teacher for educational purposes and may include other exceptions if the school board determines that doing so is beneficial for pupil education or well-being.

Beginning on July 1, 2027, this bill replaces that wireless communication device policy requirement with a requirement that each school board adopt a policy that generally prohibits pupils from using wireless communication devices during the school day. Under the bill, “school day” includes instructional time, recess, the time pupils transfer between classes, and the lunch period on each day on which school is in session. The bill generally includes the same requirements and exceptions for wireless communication device policies as Act 42. The bill adds that a wireless communication device policy may include the use of pouches or other storage devices for wireless communication devices or a prohibition on possession of a wireless communication device on school premises.

Who's behind it

12 representatives are its authors⁠. All 12 are Republicans.

2 more lawmakers signed on in support⁠.