CT HB05149

Students in grades K-12 are prohibited from possessing or using personal mobile electronic devices during the regular school day, with exceptions for students whose IEP or Section 504 plan requires device use.

Local and regional boards of education must adopt policies that prohibit device possession during school hours, require secure storage where devices are inaccessible to students, and establish disciplinary consequences for violations.

"Mobile electronic device" is defined broadly to include cell phones, text messaging devices, paging devices, laptops, personal digital assistants, video game equipment, and devices that take or transmit digital images.

School districts are prohibited from using social media as the exclusive means of communicating with or providing notice to students and their parents or guardians.

Effective date is July 1, 2026.