School cellphone ban passed

Lawmakers passed a measure May 14 requiring Nebraska school boards to adopt policies regarding student use of cellphones.

Before the 2025-26 school year, Nebraska school boards must adopt policies prohibiting student use of electronic communication devices during classroom instruction. These policies also may include discipline and enforcement mechanisms.

Under LB140, introduced by Bellevue Sen. Rita Sanders at the request of Gov. Jim Pillen, students may use electronic communication devices when:
● required by a student’s individualized education program and 504 plan;
● authorized by a school board for educational purposes during instructional time;
● an emergency or perceived threat of danger exists;
● necessary to manage a student’s health care; and
● determined appropriate by the school board or otherwise allowed by an appropriate school employee.

The bill passed on a vote of 48-1 and takes effect immediately.