Loading chat...

HI HB2563

Bill

Official Source

Status

Introduced

1/28/2026

Primary Sponsor

Justin Woodson

Click for details

Origin

House of Representatives

2026 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Requires Hawaii Board of Education to establish a "phone-and-related devices-free, bell-to-bell policy" for all public schools beginning in the 2027-2028 school year
  • Bans student use of cell phones, smart watches, earbuds, AirPods, Bluetooth headphones, and smart glasses during school hours
  • Allows exceptions for devices used for instructional purposes as determined by educators
  • Permits phased implementation across different school levels (elementary, middle, high school)
  • Cites research linking classroom cellphone use to decreased academic performance, reduced focus, and negative impacts on student socialization and mental wellbeing

Legislative Description

Relating To Education.

Department of Education

Last Action

The committee(s) on EDN recommend(s) that the measure be deferred.

2/12/2026

Committee Referrals

Education2/2/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available