Connecticut legislation · 2026 General Assembly
Connecticut HB5035: AN ACT REQUIRING SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO BAN CELLULAR PHONES IN THE CLASSROOM.
Status: Passed one chamber, April 27, 2026
What the bill says
An act requiring school districts to ban cellular phones in the classroom. assembly convened.
From the introduced text:
AN ACT REQUIRING SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO BAN CELLULAR PHONES IN THE CLASSROOM. Assembly convened: Section 1. (NEW) (Effective July 1, 2027) (a) As used in this section: (1) "Wireless communication device" means any portable wireless device that has the capability to provide voice, messaging or other data communication between two or more parties, including, but not limited to, a (A) cellular phone, (B) tablet, (C) computer, (D) gaming device, or (E) smart watch. "Wireless communication device" does not include any technology provided by the school district for instructional purposes; (2) "School day" means the time between the scheduled start and end times of the days in the local or regional board of education's academic calendar for grades kindergarten to twelve, inclusive; and (3) "Access" means viewing, wearing or otherwise using a wireless communication device for the purpose of communication, accessing the Internet, gaming or any other function commonly associated with a LCO No. 618 1 of Governor's Bill No. 5035 wireless communication device. (b) (1) Except as otherwise provided in subdivision (2) of this subsection, no student in a public school in the state shall be permitted to access such student's wireless communication device on school property during the school day unless such access is authorized for instructional purposes. All such devices shall be powered off and stored in a …
Sponsors
- Saud Anwar (D, 3) · primary sponsor
- Laurie Sweet (D, 91)
- Herron Gaston (D, 23)
- Jane Garibay (D, 60)
- Nicholas Gauthier (D, 38)
- Savet Constantine (D, 42)
- Cristin McCarthy Vahey (D, 133)
- William Heffernan (D, 115)
- David Rutigliano (R, 123)
- James Sanchez (D, 6)
- Anthony Nolan (D, 39)
- Henry Genga (D, 10)
Latest actions
- : Moved to Foot of the Calendar, Senate
- : File Number 726
- : Senate Calendar Number 475
- : Favorable Report, Tabled for the Calendar, Senate
- : Immediate Transmittal to the Senate
- : House Passed as Amended by House Amendment Schedule A
- : House Rejected House Amendment Schedule B 4832
- : House Adopted House Amendment Schedule A 4684
- : File Number 402
- : House Calendar Number 286
Votes
- House Roll Call 101 (April 27, 2026): 117 yea, 31 nay, passed
- House Roll Call 100 (April 27, 2026): 24 yea, 123 nay, failed
- ED Vote Tally Sheet (Joint Favorable) (March 16, 2026): 29 yea, 16 nay, passed
Subjects: Social media, Students, Schools, Cellular telephones, Boards of education
Common questions
- What is HB5035?
- HB5035 is a bill in the Connecticut Legislature (2026 General Assembly): AN ACT REQUIRING SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO BAN CELLULAR PHONES IN THE CLASSROOM.
- What does HB5035 do?
- In its own words: An act requiring school districts to ban cellular phones in the classroom. assembly convened.
- What is the status of HB5035?
- Passed one chamber as of April 27, 2026. Latest action: Moved to Foot of the Calendar, Senate (April 29, 2026).
- Who sponsored HB5035?
- Saud Anwar (D, 3), with 11 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for HB5035?
- On the Connecticut Legislature website: https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB05035&which_year=2026
Source: official Connecticut record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.