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Massachusetts Senate approves ‘bell-to-bell’ ban on student cellphones
Summary
The Massachusetts Senate passed Senate Bill 2561 to ban students’ use of cellphones during the school day with defined exceptions and local implementation flexibility; lawmakers debated amendments and adopted several provisions before final passage.
The Massachusetts State Senate on a final vote approved Senate Bill 2,561, an act to “promote student learning and mental health,” establishing a statewide “bell-to-bell” prohibition on student cellphone and personal electronic device use during school hours while preserving specified exceptions and local implementation flexibility.
Supporters argued the ban would reduce classroom distractions and improve social interaction and mental health. "This legislation strikes the right balance in being bold and going bell to bell, providing exceptions where necessary," Senator Creighton of the Third Essex District said on the floor.
The bill directs the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to issue a model policy and requires local school governing bodies to adopt device-management plans consistent with the model. Senators emphasized the law does not prescribe a single compliance mechanism; Senator Lewis of the Fifth Middlesex District noted districts could use lockers, pouches, collection at homeroom, or geofencing technologies and that the bill intentionally leaves that choice to local authorities.
The Senate considered multiple amendments. The chamber rejected several proposed changes, including local opt-out options and certain reporting amendments, but adopted Amendment 5 (sponsored by Senator Velas) to ensure “consistent and necessary exceptions across DESE’s model and local policy,” and adopted an amendment requiring public hearings and solicitation of public input when DESE and local governing bodies develop their policies. Several other amendments were withdrawn by request of their sponsors.
Senators also stressed accommodation for students with disabilities and English learners. Senator Collins of the First Suffolk District urged careful application for special-education needs and noted that devices can be essential for nonverbal students.
After debate and amendment votes, the Senate ordered the bill to a third reading and passed it. The final roll call for Senate Bill 2,561 was taken, and the clerk announced the affirmative vote sufficient for passage. The measure will be engrossed and forwarded for enrollment and further action in the legislative process.
The record shows an extended floor debate, numerous adopted and rejected amendments, and explicit direction that implementation details be worked out locally under a DESE model policy and through public hearings.
Observers and districts will watch for the DESE model policy and the local governing-board processes required by the bill before local practices are finalized.
