Massachusetts legislation · 194th General Court
Massachusetts S2561: An Act to promote student learning and mental health
Status: In committee, July 31, 2025
What the bill says
From the introduced text, July 24, 2025:
SECTION 1. Chapter 69 of the General Laws is hereby amended by adding the following section:- Section 40. (a) For the purposes of this section, “personal electronic device” shall mean any portable electronic device that: (i) is capable of providing voice communication, text messaging or other data communication between 2 or more parties or devices; or (ii) is capable of connecting to a smartphone or other personal electronic device, the internet or a cellular or Wi-Fi network, including, but not limited to, mobile phones, tablets, laptops, smartwatches and bluetooth enabled devices; provided, however personal electronic device shall not include school issued or sanctioned devices that are used for a legitimate educational purpose. (b)(1) The department shall provide guidance, recommendations and a model policy to assist schools and districts with developing and implementing effective policies regarding the prohibition of the use of personal electronic devices on school grounds during the school day and during school-sponsored activities during the school day as required under section 102 of chapter 71. Such guidance, recommendations and model policy, shall include, but not be limited to: (i) provisions preventing student use of school-issued or school-sanctioned devices for personal use; (ii) options for secure storage of personal electronic devices during the school day, including best practices on removing physical access to personal electronic devices; and (iii) effective …
Sponsors
- Julian Cyr (D, Cape and Islands)
- Brendan Crighton (D)
- John Cronin (D, Worcester and Middlesex)
- John Keenan (D, Norfolk and Plymouth)
- Patrick O'Connor (R, First Plymouth and Norfolk)
- John Velis (D, Hampden and Hampshire)
- Campbell, Andrea Joy (D)
- Mark Montigny (D, Second Bristol and Plymouth)
- Carmine Gentile (D)
- Nick Collins (D, First Suffolk)
- Donald Berthiaume (R)
- James Arena-DeRosa (D)
Latest actions
- : Reprinted, as amended, see S2581
- : Read third
- : Ordered to a third reading
- : Substituted, as amended, for S2549
- : Amendment #17 (Rodrigues) adopted
- : Amendment #19 (Fattman) rejected
- : Amendment #18 (Fattman) rejected
- : Amendment #15 (Tarr) adopted
- : Amendment #11 (Tarr) rejected
- : Amendment #5 (Velis) adopted
Common questions
- What is S2561?
- S2561 is a bill in the Massachusetts Legislature (194th General Court): An Act to promote student learning and mental health.
- What is the status of S2561?
- In committee as of July 31, 2025. Latest action: Reprinted, as amended, see S2581 (July 31, 2025).
- Who sponsored S2561?
- Julian Cyr (D, Cape and Islands), with 11 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for S2561?
- On the Massachusetts Legislature website: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2561
Source: official Massachusetts record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.