All Roll Calls
Yes: 235 • No: 102
GeorgiaHB 3402025-2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET
Distraction-Free Education Act; enact
Sponsored By: Carter Barrett (Republican), Houston Gaines (Republican), Scott Hilton (Republican), Jan Jones (Republican), Carmen Rice (Republican), Will Wade (Republican)
Became Law
EducationChildren and FamiliesGeneral Bill
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
K-8 personal devices banned during day
Beginning July 1, 2026, K–8 public school students cannot access personal devices during the school day on campus. The school day runs bell‑to‑bell, including breaks, transitions, and assemblies. This rule does not apply to remote or virtual learning off campus. Schools may still issue and use school‑owned laptops or tablets for class. Charter systems, charter schools, and similar systems cannot waive these rules.
IEP and 504 device use allowed
If an IEP, Section 504 plan, or medical plan requires a personal device, the student may use it during the day. Use is limited to what the plan says is needed.
Support and activities for device-free learning
The state education department gives schools guidance and technical help to carry out this law. Districts are encouraged to offer optional device‑free events, like family workshops, town halls, and screen‑free challenges. The law sets no deadline or new funding for this support.
Schools must set device rules by 2026
By January 1, 2026, every district and school sets device rules for K–8. Policies must block bell‑to‑bell access and explain storage, like lockers, locked pouches, or classroom bins. They must set rules for buses, field trips, sports, and other off‑site events. Emergency messages go through school systems. Parents must call the school to reach a student. Schools use progressive discipline, like warnings, taking the device, and parent contact, under their code. Schools assign staff, review enforcement, and post rules in handbooks and on websites.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsors
Carter Barrett
Republican • House
Houston Gaines
Republican • House
Scott Hilton
Republican • House
Jan Jones
Republican • House
Carmen Rice
Republican • House
Will Wade
Republican • House
Cosponsors
Jason Anavitarte
Republican • Senate
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 3/25/2025
ADOPTION OF AMENDMENT #1 BY THE SENATOR FROM THE 7TH
Yes: 15 • No: 39
Senate vote • 3/25/2025
ADOPTION OF AMEND #1A BY SEN FROM THE 7TH TO AMEND #1 BY SEN FROM THE 7TH
Yes: 23 • No: 32
Senate vote • 3/25/2025
PASSAGE
Yes: 54 • No: 2
House vote • 3/4/2025
PASSAGE
Yes: 143 • No: 29
Actions Timeline
Effective Date
7/1/2025House Date Signed by Governor
5/9/2025HouseAct 74
5/9/2025House Sent to Governor
4/7/2025HouseSenate Third Read
3/25/2025SenateSenate Passed/Adopted
3/25/2025SenateSenate Read Second Time
3/21/2025SenateSenate Committee Favorably Reported
3/20/2025SenateSenate Read and Referred
3/6/2025SenateHouse Third Readers
3/4/2025HouseHouse Passed/Adopted By Substitute
3/4/2025HouseHouse Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute
2/26/2025HouseHouse Second Readers
2/11/2025HouseHouse First Readers
2/10/2025HouseHouse Hopper
2/6/2025House
Bill Text
HB 340/AP* (v9)
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