Story perspectives

Illinois bans K-8 phones in schools, Pritzker signs

7/29/2026

Center

Pritzker Bans Phones

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed Senate Bill 2427 into law on July 28, 2026, at Elgin High School, banning cell phones in public schools.
The law mandates districts adopt a “bell-to-bell” rule, banning phones from arrival to dismissal for K-8 students, but allowing high-school use at lunch or passing.
The Senate passed 55-2 and the House passed 102-4.
Schools must store devices, cannot use fines or police, with template policy due September 1, 2026.

Left

Pritzker Bans Phones

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed Senate Bill 2427 into law on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at Elgin High School, banning cell phone use in schools statewide.
The bill emphasizes student well-being, targeting cyberbullying and mental-health harms while mandating input from teachers, parents and unions.
The ban covers phones, tablets, laptops, gaming consoles, smartwatches and smart glasses during instruction.
Medical, IEP, English-learner and family-care exceptions apply; schools cannot use fines or suspensions.

History

Historical Context

In 2005 the New York City Department of Education, under Mayor Michael Bloomberg, barred K-8 students from using cell phones, a move that aligned with a national trend toward primary-enforcement handheld bans for drivers—36 states now prohibit all drivers from holding phones. Illinois’ 2026 Senate Bill 2427 extends that school-level restriction, citing the same mental-health concerns.

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Pritzker Bans Phones

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed Senate Bill 2427 into law on July 28, 2026, at Elgin High School, banning cell phones in public schools.
The law mandates districts adopt a “bell-to-bell” rule, banning phones from arrival to dismissal for K-8 students, but allowing high-school use at lunch or passing.
The Senate passed 55-2 and the House passed 102-4.
Schools must store devices, cannot use fines or police, with template policy due September 1, 2026.

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