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S5620119th CongressWALLET

UNPLUGGED Schools Grant Act of 2026

Sponsored By: Senator Kelly, Mark [D-AZ]

Introduced

Summary

This bill would create a federal grant program to help states implement and enforce bans on student personal electronic devices during school hours. It pairs funding for enforcement and secure storage with rules for limited exceptions and state‑local coordination.

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  • Families and students: The policy must allow narrow exceptions for medical needs and students with disabilities documented in an IEP or 504 plan. Schools must also enable timely parent communications about pick‑up changes and emergencies.
  • State and local education agencies: States would get grants to develop coordinated PED policies in consultation with educators, parents, and students. Allocations follow a Title I subpart 2 formula and include a small‑state minimum of 0.5% of total funding.
  • Schools and operations: Grants would fund procedures to enforce the PED rules and buy secure storage like lockable lockers, lock boxes, or signal‑blocking devices. The definition of personal electronic devices covers phones, wearables, laptops, tablets, and similar devices, with limited instructional exceptions.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

New state rules on student devices

If enacted, a State seeking a grant would need a policy that bans students from possessing or using personal electronic devices during school hours in covered public schools. The policy would have to be developed with each local school district and in consultation with educators, parents, and students. The policy would allow devices when a licensed health care provider certifies a medical need, when device access is required in an IEP or a Section 504 plan, and for other documented, individualized needs such as some English learners. The State would also certify that schools can communicate with parents and local emergency responders about urgent pickup or schedule changes. The bill would not stop states or schools from adopting stricter device rules.

Federal grants to help schools enforce rules

If enacted, the Secretary would create the UNPLUGGED Schools Grant Program and award grants to State education agencies with approved applications. Grants would help schools implement device prohibition policies, develop enforcement procedures, and buy secure storage for devices. The Secretary would allot funds based on each State’s prior-year Title I Part A subpart 2 share, with no State receiving less than 0.5% of the total; unused shares would be reallotted. The Secretary would coordinate with HHS to provide technical assistance when a State asks. Congress could appropriate such sums as may be necessary, but the bill sets no dollar amount.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Kelly, Mark [D-AZ]

AZ • D

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Cotton, Tom [R-AR]

    AR • R

    Sponsored 9/30/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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