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IndianaSB 78Second Regular Session 124th General Assembly (2026)SenateWALLET

Wireless communication device policy.

Sponsored By: Jeff Raatz (Republican)

Signed by Governor

education and career developmentthe houseeducation

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 4 mixed.

Class tech must be school-supplied by 2028

From July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2028, teachers may allow device use for lessons only on a school‑supplied device, or, if none is provided, on a school‑sanctioned device that blocks non‑instructional content. School‑sanctioned devices can be student‑ or vendor‑owned but are not phones, gaming devices, or smartwatches. Starting July 1, 2028, all teacher‑directed device use must be on school‑supplied devices only. This can reduce families’ need to buy devices for class after 2028, but some may need to provide a sanctioned device before then if the school has none.

Schools must restrict student device use

Beginning July 1, 2026, each school must adopt and post a student device policy. The policy bans student use of wireless devices during the school day, unless an exception applies or a teacher allows use for a lesson. Schools must choose either a no‑device rule or require devices to be stored, powered off, and out of reach all day. Exceptions allow use for an IEP or 504 plan, a documented medical need, emergencies approved by the superintendent, and language translation (with school tools preferred). The “school day” is all the time a student is on school property for an instructional day, and covered devices include cell phones, tablets, laptops, gaming devices, and connected smartwatches.

Limited audio recorders allowed for notes

Starting July 1, 2026, a student may use a small audio‑only recorder for personal note taking or learning help. The device must only record speech, be visible to staff while in use, be given for inspection if asked, and follow state and federal consent‑to‑recording laws. Schools can set extra limits, like where and when to use it, banning use during tests, and banning live streaming. If recordings are allowed, they cannot be used for discipline, evaluation, or supervision of students or staff.

Legal shield for schools following law

Beginning July 1, 2026, schools and staff have civil immunity for good‑faith actions taken to follow this device law. This protection does not cover gross negligence or willful, wanton, or intentional misconduct.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Jeff Raatz

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Gary Byrne

    Republican • Senate

  • Greg Goode

    Republican • Senate

  • Jake Teshka

    Republican • House

  • Julie McGuire

    Republican • House

  • Linda Rogers

    Republican • Senate

  • Lonnie Randolph

    Democratic • Senate

  • Matt Commons

    Republican • House

  • Vernon Smith

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 222 • No: 105

Senate vote • 2/25/2026

Roll Call 291 on SB0078.07.ENGH.CON01

Yes: 36 • No: 12 • Other: 1

House vote • 2/24/2026

Roll Call 336 on SB0078.06.COMH

Yes: 82 • No: 13 • Other: 4

House vote • 2/23/2026

Roll Call 320 on SB0078.06.COMH.AMH003

Yes: 42 • No: 51 • Other: 4

Senate vote • 1/20/2026

Roll Call 37 on SB0078.04.ENGS

Yes: 28 • No: 19 • Other: 1

Senate vote • 1/12/2026

Placed back on second reading Division of the Senate: yeas 34, nays 10

Yes: 34 • No: 10

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by the Governor

    3/5/2026Senate

  2. Public Law 107

    3/5/2026Senate

  3. Signed by the President Pro Tempore

    2/27/2026Senate

  4. Signed by the President of the Senate

    2/27/2026Senate

  5. Signed by the Speaker

    2/27/2026House

  6. Motion to concur filed

    2/25/2026Senate

  7. Returned to the Senate with amendments

    2/25/2026House

  8. Senate concurred with House amendments; Roll Call 291: yeas 36, nays 12

    2/25/2026Senate

  9. Third reading: passed; Roll Call 336: yeas 82, nays 13

    2/24/2026House

  10. Second reading: amended, ordered engrossed

    2/23/2026House

  11. Amendment #4 (Teshka) prevailed; voice vote

    2/23/2026House

  12. Amendment #5 (Behning) prevailed; voice vote

    2/23/2026House

  13. Amendment #3 (Hamilton) failed; Roll Call 320: yeas 42, nays 51

    2/23/2026House

  14. Committee report: amend do pass, adopted

    2/18/2026House

  15. Representative Smith V added as cosponsor

    2/12/2026House

  16. Recommitted to Committee on Ways and Means pursuant to House Rule 126.3

    2/12/2026House

  17. Committee report: amend do pass, adopted

    2/12/2026House

  18. First reading: referred to Committee on Education

    1/28/2026House

  19. Referred to the House

    1/22/2026Senate

  20. Cosponsors: Representatives McGuire, Commons

    1/20/2026Senate

  21. Third reading: passed; Roll Call 37: yeas 28, nays 19

    1/20/2026Senate

  22. House sponsor: Representative Teshka

    1/20/2026Senate

  23. Amendment #6 (Raatz) prevailed; voice vote

    1/13/2026Senate

  24. Reread second time: amended, ordered engrossed

    1/13/2026Senate

  25. Senator Randolph added as coauthor

    1/13/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • Engrossed Senate Bill (H)

    PDF

  • Engrossed Senate Bill (S)

    PDFPDF

  • Enrolled Senate Bill (S)

    PDF

  • Introduced Senate Bill (S)

    PDF

  • Senate Bill (H)

    PDFPDF

  • Senate Bill (S)

    PDF

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