CA AB962

Amends Education Code Section 48901.7 to allow schools to prohibit students from using smartphones during emergencies or perceived threats of danger, but only if this restriction is explicitly addressed in the school's comprehensive school safety plan

Under current law, students cannot be prohibited from using smartphones during emergencies; this bill changes that exception to be conditional on the school safety plan addressing the circumstance

School districts, county boards of education, and charter schools must still develop smartphone use policies by July 1, 2026, with updates required every five years

Students retain the right to possess or use smartphones when: a teacher/administrator grants permission, a physician determines it necessary for health, or it's required by an individualized education program

Approved by the Governor on October 3, 2025, with no fiscal impact or appropriation required