GA HB1009

Prohibits public school students in grades K-8 from accessing personal electronic devices during the school day starting July 1, 2026, and extends the prohibition to grades 9-12 starting July 1, 2027

Requires local school systems and public schools to adopt annual policies establishing bell-to-bell device bans, storage methods (lockers, locked pouches, designated classroom areas), and procedures for off-site events including field trips, transportation, and dual enrollment programs

Mandates that emergency communications be routed through school communication systems, with parents required to contact the school directly rather than students' personal devices

Exempts students whose IEP, Section 504 Plan, or medical plan explicitly requires device use, and does not restrict school-provided equipment like laptops and tablets for educational purposes

Establishes progressive disciplinary consequences for violations and requires the Department of Education to provide implementation guidance; the law cannot be waived by charter schools or strategic waiver school systems