Illinois legislation · 104th General Assembly
Illinois SB2427: SCH CD-WIRELESS COMM DEVICE
Status: Signed into law, July 28, 2026
Amends the School Code. Provides that, on or before the 2026-2027 school year, each school board shall adopt and implement a wireless communication device policy that: (1) prohibits a student from using a wireless communication device during instructional time, except as otherwise provided; and (2) includes guidance for secure and accessible storage of wireless devices during instructional time. Provides that the policy may not prohibit a student from using a wireless communication device during instructional time: (1) when a teacher or instructor has authorized the student to use a wireless communication device for educational purposes; (2) in an emergency or in response to an imminent threat to the health or safety of an individual; (3) when a licensed physician determines that the possession or use of a wireless communication device is necessary for the health or well-being of the student; or (4) to fulfill an Individualized Education Plan or a Section 504 plan developed under Section 504; or (5) when the wireless communication device is necessary for students who are English learners to access learning materials. Prohibits a district from enforcing the policy through fees, fines, the deployment of a School Resource Officer, or local law enforcement officer. Requires each school board to review the effectiveness of its wireless communication device policy at least every 3 years.
What the bill says
An act concerning education.
From the engrossed text, April 3, 2025:
AN ACT concerning education. Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly: Section 5.The School Code is amended by adding Sections 10-20.88, 27A-5.3, and 34-18.14a as follows: (105 ILCS 5/10-20.88 new) [ADDED: Sec. 10-20.88. ][ADDED: Wireless communication device policy.] [ADDED: (a) As used in this Section:] [ADDED: "Instructional time" means the time during a school day ] [ADDED: students spend learning and participating in school ] [ADDED: activities. "Instructional time" does not include recess, ] [ADDED: passing time, or lunch time.] [ADDED: "Wireless communication device" means any portable ] [ADDED: wireless device that has the capability to provide voice, ] [ADDED: messaging, or other data communication between 2 or more ] [ADDED: parties, including, but not limited to:] [] [] [] [ and] [ADDED: (5) wearable devices, including smart watches or smart ] [ADDED: glasses.] [ADDED: "Wireless communication device" does not include any device ] SB2427 Engrossed- 2 -LRB104 12240 LNS 22347 b SB2427 Engrossed - 2 - LRB104 12240 LNS 22347 b SB2427 Engrossed - 2 - LRB104 12240 LNS 22347 b [ADDED: that a school district or teacher has directly issued to, ] [ADDED: provided for, or required a student to possess and use for ] [ADDED: educational purposes during instructional time.] [ADDED: (b) On or before the 2026-2027 school …
Sponsors
- Cristina Castro (D, 22) · primary sponsor
- Meg Loughran Cappel (D, 49)
- David Koehler (D, 46)
- Kimberly A. Lightford (D, 4)
- Mary Edly-Allen (D, 31)
- Christopher Belt (D, 57)
- Ram Villivalam (D, 8)
- Adriane Johnson (D, 30)
- Li Arellano (R, 37)
- Jason Plummer (R, 55)
- Willie Preston (D, 16)
- Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D, 23)
Latest actions
- : Public Act . . . . . . . . . 104-0657
- : Effective Date July 28, 2026
- : Governor Approved
- : Sent to the Governor
- : Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Elgie R. Sims, Jr.
- : Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Dave Syverson
- : Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Laura Fine
- : Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Sally J. Turner
- : Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Erica Harriss
- : Passed Both Houses
Votes
- House Floor Amendment No. 4 Senate Concurs (May 31, 2026): 55 yea, 2 nay, passed
- House Committee Amendment No. 1 Senate Concurs (May 31, 2026): 55 yea, 2 nay, passed
- House Floor Amendment No. 4 Motion To Concur Recommended Do Adopt Education (May 28, 2026): 14 yea, 0 nay, passed
- House Committee Amendment No. 1 Motion To Concur Recommended Do Adopt Education (May 28, 2026): 14 yea, 0 nay, passed
- Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed (April 16, 2026): 102 yea, 3 nay, passed
- House Floor Amendment No. 4 Recommends Be Adopted Education Policy Committee (March 25, 2026): 12 yea, 0 nay, passed
Subjects: ILCS 105 - Schools
Common questions
- What is SB2427?
- SB2427 is a bill in the Illinois Legislature (104th General Assembly): SCH CD-WIRELESS COMM DEVICE.
- What does SB2427 do?
- In its own words: An act concerning education.
- What is the status of SB2427?
- Signed into law as of July 28, 2026. Latest action: Public Act . . . . . . . . . 104-0657 (July 28, 2026).
- Who sponsored SB2427?
- Cristina Castro (D, 22), with 11 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for SB2427?
- On the Illinois Legislature website: https://www.ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus?DocNum=2427&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&SessionID=114
Source: official Illinois record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.