Indiana legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Indiana SB78: Wireless communication device policy.
Status: Signed into law, February 27, 2026
Amends definitions, requirements, restrictions, and exceptions regarding wireless communication device policies adopted and implemented by school corporations and charter schools. Requires the department of education to publish model policy language and implementation guidance. Provides that, with exceptions, a school corporation, a school maintained by a school corporation, and a charter school, including school personnel, are immune from civil liability for any actions taken in good faith to comply with the school's wireless communication device policy.
What the bill says
An act to amend the Indiana Code concerning education.
From the enrolled text:
AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning education. SECTION 1. IC 20-26-5-40.7, AS ADDED BY P.L.24-2024, SECTION 1, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2026]: Sec. 40.7. (a) As used in this section, "instructional time" has the meaning set forth in IC 20-30-2-1. "school day" means the entirety of the time a student is present on school property for a student instructional day (as defined in IC 20-30-2-2). (b) As used in this section, "school sanctioned wireless communication device" means a wireless communication device (2) is approved by the school for instructional use; (3) is required or permitted by the school for participation in classroom instruction; (4) is subject to school managed network controls, filtering, or monitoring that restrict access to noninstructional content during the school day; and (5) is not a cellular telephone, gaming device, or smartwatch described in subsection (c)(5). This subsection expires July 1, 2028. (b) (c) As used in this section, "wireless communication device" means any portable wireless device that has the capability to provide voice, messaging, or other data communication between two (2) or SEA 78 -- Concur more parties, including (2) tablet computer; (3) laptop computer; or (4) gaming device; or (5) smartwatch that is connected to a cellular telephone, a cell tower, or the Internet. The term does not …
Sponsors
- Jeff Raatz (R, SD-027) · primary sponsor
- Greg Goode (R, SD-038)
- Gary Byrne (R, SD-047)
- Linda Rogers (R, SD-011)
- Lonnie Randolph (D, SD-002)
Latest actions
- : Public Law 107
- : Signed by the Governor
- : Signed by the President Pro Tempore
- : Signed by the President of the Senate
- : Signed by the Speaker
- : Senate concurred with House amendments; Roll Call 291: yeas 36, nays 12
- : Motion to concur filed
- : Returned to the Senate with amendments
- : Third reading: passed; Roll Call 336: yeas 82, nays 13
- : Second reading: amended, ordered engrossed
Votes
- SB0078.07.ENGH.CON01 (February 25, 2026): 36 yea, 12 nay, passed
- SB0078.06.COMH (February 24, 2026): 82 yea, 13 nay, passed
- SB0078.06.COMH.AMH003 (February 23, 2026): 42 yea, 51 nay, failed
- SB0078.04.ENGS (January 20, 2026): 28 yea, 19 nay, passed
Subjects: AGENCIES; Department of Education (DOE) and Secretary of Education, SCHOOLS; Pupils (Other than Disciplinary Matters), ADMINISTRATIVE LAW; Generally, EDUCATION; Generally, SCHOOLS; Teachers, SCHOOLS; Generally, TECHNOLOGY; Computers, Cell Phones, and Devices, CIVIL LAW AND PROCEDURE; Immunity and Exemption from Liability
Common questions
- What is SB78?
- SB78 is a bill in the Indiana Legislature (2026 Regular Session): Wireless communication device policy.
- What does SB78 do?
- In its own words: An act to amend the Indiana Code concerning education.
- What is the status of SB78?
- Signed into law as of February 27, 2026. Latest action: Public Law 107 (March 5, 2026).
- Who sponsored SB78?
- Jeff Raatz (R, SD-027), with 4 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for SB78?
- On the Indiana Legislature website: https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2026/bills/senate/78
Source: official Indiana record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.