Federal money for schools that ban student phones in class

What it does

This bill sets up a program to give federal money to schools. Schools must serve low-income students and ban phones, tablets, and smartwatches during class. Schools can use the money to buy phone lockers or pouches. Schools can also use it to train teachers on the ban. Medical devices and school laptops for learning are allowed.

Who it affects

Students may focus better in class without phones. They cannot use personal devices during school hours. Schools serving low-income students can apply for the money.

One thing to notice

The bill does not set aside money to pay for the grants. Schools would need Congress to approve the actual funding later.

From the analysis of the bill text, linked under Primary records below.

Where it stands

• Sep 30, 2026 — Introduced · Congress.gov: “Introduced in Senate”
• Sep 30, 2026 — Referred to Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions · Congress.gov: “Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions”

Dates and quoted wording are Congress.gov's action record; the timeline shows status changes, not every procedural step.

Words to know

• low-income students — Students whose families earn less money than average.
• phones, tablets, and smartwatches — Personal devices students own and use to talk, text, or play.
• phone lockers or pouches — Storage containers where students put their devices during class.