New York S 9951: Restricts the use of wireless communication devices by students on school property

Bill Text

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S09951 Summary:

BILL NOS09951 

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SAME ASNo Same As

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SPONSORBOTTCHER

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COSPNSR

&nbsp

MLTSPNSR

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Add §2801-c, Ed L

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Prohibits students from accessing their wireless communications devices on school property, unless authorized for classroom use; prohibits students from accessing social media platforms through the use of internet access provided by the school district, except when expressly directed to for class instruction.

Go to top S09951 Actions:

BILL NOS09951 

&nbsp

04/17/2026REFERRED TO EDUCATION

Go to topS09951 Committee&nbspVotes:

Go to topS09951 Floor&nbspVotes:

There are no Assembly votes for this bill in this legislative session.

Go to topS09951 Text:

 STATE OF NEW YORK
 ________________________________________________________________________

 9951

 IN SENATE

 April 17, 2026
 ___________

 Introduced by Sen. BOTTCHER -- read twice and ordered printed, and when
 printed to be committed to the Committee on Education

 AN ACT to amend the education law, in relation to restricting the use of
 wireless communication devices by students on school property

 The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assem-
 bly, do enact as follows:

 1 Section 1. The education law is amended by adding a new section 2801-c
 2 to read as follows:
 3 § 2801-c. Wireless communication device use restricted. 1. For
 4 purposes of this section:
 5 (a) "Wireless communication device" or "device" means any portable
 6 wireless device that has the capability to provide voice, messaging, or
 7 other data communication between two or more parties, including but not
 8 limited to a (i) cellular phone, (ii) computer, (iii) gaming device, or
 9 (iv) smart watch. "Device" does not include any technology provided by
 10 the school district for purposes of class instruction.
 11 (b) "School day" shall mean every instructional day as required by
 12 subdivision seven of section thirty-six hundred four of this chapter.
 13 (c) "Access" means the viewing, holding, wearing, or otherwise use of
 14 a device for the purpose of communication, internet access, gaming, or
 15 any other function commonly associated with devices.
 16 2. During the school day, students are prohibited from accessing their
 17 device on school property, unless authorized for classroom use. Devices
 18 shall be powered off and stored in a manner prescribed by the depart-
 19 ment, including but not limited to storage in a student's locker or
 20 specified phone pouches.
 21 3. If a student violates this section, the student will be subject to
 22 progressive consequences as prescribed by section twenty-eight hundred
 23 one of this article and any applicable local student code of conduct.
 24 4. Students are prohibited from accessing social media platforms
 25 through the use of internet access provided by the school district,
 26 except when expressly directed to for class instruction.
 27 5. Nothing in this section shall prohibit a student from using a
 28 device if:

 EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
 [ ] is old law to be omitted.
 LBD00752-01-5

 S. 9951 2

 1 (a) the use of the device is included in the student's individual
 2 education program, or plan developed under Section 504 of the federal
 3 Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. 794; or
 4 (b) a licensed physician determines that the access of a device by the
 5 student is necessary for the health and well-being of the student.
 6 § 2. This act shall take effect on the first of July next succeeding
 7 the date on which it shall have become a law. Effective immediately, the
 8 addition, amendment and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary
 9 for the implementation of this act on its effective date are authorized
 10 to be made and completed on or before such effective date.

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