FAQs – HB 2299 Cell Phone Bill - Salina Unified School District 305

FAQs – HB 2299 Cell Phone Bill

We want to share important updates regarding technology, communication and new state legislation. In spring 2026, Kansas Legislature passed a new law (HB 2299) that took effect July 1, 2026 and will guide practices across Salina Public Schools beginning with the 2026–27 school year.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is HB 2299?

You may have heard this law referred to as the “cell phone bill” or the “bell-to-bell” bill. This law requires every Kansas school to prohibit student use of personal electronic communication devices (defined below) during the entire school day (from the first bell to the last bell) while on district-owned or operated property, including during lunch and passing periods.

What is considered a personal electronic communication device?

Will Chromebooks be allowed?

What is considered a school day under the law?

What does the law require if a student brings an electronic communication device to school?

Doesn’t SPS already have cellphone and personal device polices?

What if I need to contact my child during the school day?

What if my child needs to contact me during the school day?

What if my student needs their phone in an emergency?

The law that was passed by legislation does not provide an exception for emergencies. In an urgent situation or safety concern on campus, information will be sent through our district communication platform to all parents, guardians, caregivers and other emergency contacts provided during registration/enrollment. If you have questions about how you will receive these updates or need to update your contact information, please call or email your child’s school office for assistance.

What can families do to help?

We encourage families to begin conversations with their children about the importance of following district expectations and contributing to a positive and focused learning environment.

Please encourage students to follow this new requirement by refraining from bringing their devices onto school grounds so that they may share some of the benefits that come from a less distracted learning environment. Working together, we hope to minimize additional disruptions to their school day that could come from non-compliance or disciplinary procedures.

Parents, caregivers and students are all encouraged to review this FAQ page regularly, as additional details may be added throughout the summer break.

What are the benefits of a cell phone ban?

How will the district be storing the devices that students bring to school?

Elementary:
All electronic communication devices should be left at home. If a device is brought to school, the device will be collected and stored by the homeroom teacher.

Middle School:
All electronic communication devices should be left at home. If a device is brought to school, the device will be collected and stored in the library and picked up after school.

High School:
All electronic communication devices should be left at home. If a device is brought to school, the device will be collected and stored in the I.S.S. room and picked up after school.

What if something happens to the device during storage?

What are the consequences for students who do not follow this rule?

Our student handbooks include in-depth Board of Education approved student behavior and discipline policies to explain consequences for students and families. All student handbooks are located on the district website School Handbook page or on each building’s website in the Parents section, under School Handbooks.

Elementary:
If a student has an electronic communication device in their possession after the start of the day, the device will be confiscated and held in the office for the student to pick up after school. If the infraction occurs a second time, the device will be confiscated and held until a parent/guardian can pick it up after school.

Middle School:
If a student has an electronic communication device in their possession after the start of the day, the device will be confiscated and held in the office for the student to pick up after school. If the infraction occurs a second time, the device will be confiscated and held until a parent/guardian can pick it up after school.

High School:
If a student has an electronic communication device in their possession after the start of the day, the device will be confiscated and held in the office for the student to pick up after school. If the infraction occurs a second time, the device will be confiscated and held until a parent/guardian can pick it up after school at 3:00 p.m. Additional violations or refusal to give the device to a staff member when requested will result in consequences up to and including suspension for open defiance.

Can students use their phones when they are traveling for internships, fieldtrips, off-site academic experiences and/or extracurricular activities?

What if my student leaves for an appointment or other excused absence?

What if my student has a medical issue or another special need that requires them to use a device?

Does HB 2299 apply to SVIA students?

Does HB 2299 apply to SAEC students?

Does HB 2299 apply to Project SEARCH students?

We understand there may be many questions as we navigate this process and prepare for upcoming changes. Please know we are approaching these adjustments thoughtfully. Additional information will be forthcoming.

We appreciate your continued support and partnership, by working together, we can continue supporting the success of all SPS students.

Questions?

If you have additional questions, please start by utilizing our district Contact Us form.