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MarylandHB 05252026 Regular SessionHouse

County Boards of Education - Student Electronic Communication Device Use Policy - Establishment (Joanne C. Benson Maryland Phone-Free Schools Act)

Sponsored By: Adrian Boafo (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Primary and Secondary EducationAwareness and OutreachCivil Rights and Social EquityCounties -see also- Chartered Counties; Code Counties; etc.Data -see also- Census; DemographicsDemographics -see also- Census; DataDigital ImagesDisciplineEducation, Boards ofEducation -see also- ContEd; DrvEd; HigherEd; etc.Education, State Department ofElectronic CommunicationElectronic DocumentsElectronic GovernmentEmergencies -see also- PandemicsEvidenceIndividualized Education and 504 PlansInformation TechnologyInternet -see also- Internet AccessLanguage -see also- Communications; LiteracyMedical Conditions -see also- AIDS; COVID-19; rabiesMobile DevicesParents and GuardiansPublications -see also- Maryland Register; TextbooksPublic InformationRecordings -see also- VideoReportsRules and RegulationsSchool AdministrationSocial MediaStorageStudentsSurveys and PollsTeachersTelecommunicationsTelephonesTimeVideo

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

State reporting and public posting

By September 1, 2027, each county must send its device policy to the Maryland State Department of Education. The submission includes storage and security rules, any grade‑level differences, instructional use protocols, emergency communication plans, and proof of stakeholder input. The Department posts each county policy online. Each year from July 30, 2028 through July 30, 2033, counties must report on compliance, discipline by student group, and the number and types of exemptions. The Department sets how to submit and adopts rules to carry out this law.

When students can use devices

County policies must allow device use for reasonable disability accommodations listed in an IEP or 504 plan. Students may use devices to monitor or address a documented health issue. During an emergency, use is allowed if an administrator expressly authorizes it. Students may use translation tools when school devices are unavailable or not sufficient. Teachers may require device use as part of a lesson. A principal may approve device use to meet caregiving responsibilities.

How schools enforce and share rules

County boards must work with parents, students, teachers, and the community to set and update the policy, including enforcement. They must publish it in multiple languages in handbooks, on school and county websites, and at school events. Discipline must be tiered and handled by an administrator. A student cannot be suspended or expelled only for breaking this device rule.

Phone-free school day for students

The law takes effect July 1, 2026. County boards must adopt a phone‑free policy by the 2027–2028 school year. It covers the full academic school day, including classes, lunch, recess, passing, and transitions. Students must store personal devices and may not use social media during the day. School‑issued devices for learning are allowed. An administrator may allow a personal device for a lesson only if a school device is not available. This section does not apply to the Maryland School for the Blind or the Maryland School for the Deaf.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Adrian Boafo

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Eric Ebersole

    Democratic • House

  • Mike Griffith

    Republican • House

  • Wayne A. Hartman

    Republican • House

  • Kevin B. Hornberger

    Republican • House

  • Aaron M. Kaufman

    Democratic • House

  • Bernice Mireku-North

    Democratic • House

  • Gabriel M. Moreno

    Democratic • House

  • Edith J. Patterson

    Democratic • House

  • Robert B. Long

    Republican • House

  • Matthew J. Schindler

    Democratic • House

  • Jared Solomon

    Democratic • House

  • Kym Taylor

    Democratic • House

  • Joe Vogel

    Democratic • House

  • Greg Wims

    Democratic • House

  • Sarah Wolek

    Democratic • House

  • Chao Wu

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 306 • No: 2

House vote • 4/11/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 130 • No: 1 • Other: 4

Senate vote • 4/9/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 41 • No: 0 • Other: 3

House vote • 3/23/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 135 • No: 1 • Other: 3

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 596

    5/26/2026

  2. Passed Enrolled

    4/11/2026House

  3. Third Reading Passed (130-1)

    4/11/2026House

  4. House Concurs Senate Amendments

    4/11/2026House

  5. Third Reading Passed (41-0)

    4/9/2026Senate

  6. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    4/8/2026Senate

  7. Favorable with Amendments {403029/1 Adopted

    4/8/2026Senate

  8. Favorable with Amendments Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment

    4/8/2026Senate

  9. Referred Education, Energy, and the Environment

    3/23/2026Senate

  10. Third Reading Passed (135-1)

    3/23/2026House

  11. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/21/2026House

  12. Favorable with Amendments {293220/1 Adopted

    3/21/2026House

  13. Favorable with Amendments Report by Ways and Means

    3/21/2026House

  14. Hearing 2/18 at 1:00 p.m.

    2/4/2026House

  15. First Reading Ways and Means

    1/27/2026House

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/26/2026

    PDF

  • Enrolled

    4/11/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/21/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/27/2026

    PDF

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